3 Buccaneers players who could be nice surprises in 2024

What a fun ride last season was for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Even more exciting is the fact that these guys get to run it back in 2024. Fortunately, the organization was able to dot the i's and cross the t's with their most important in-house free agents, getting set for another playoff run this coming year.

Looking ahead to this coming season, the Bucs could be ready to watch three particular players have an even bigger impact for this team for various reasons. Which guys might become a pleasant surprise for Bucs fans?

Yaya Diaby, OLB

The Bucs' rookie class of 2023 featured some excellent value picks who outperformed their draft position, without a doubt. One of those guys was outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, a third rounder out of Louisville.

Playing just 46 percent of snaps, Diaby totaled an impressive 7.5 sacks on the year. Some might not even realize this, but Diaby came in fifth place when it came to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2023. He was that good while playing less than half the snaps.

Imagine just how much better he could be in Year 2 with a few more snaps. He only started seven games as a rookie. At the moment, he's slotted in as the starting right outside backer. Give this guy over half the defensive snaps and watch hiim turn into an absolute game wrecker.

Third-round pick ... sheesh.