Bucs’ confidence in linebacker SirVocea Dennis is soaring

TAMPA — Maybe it was just fate or perhaps faith, but the Bucs decided not to add an inside linebacker in the draft.

Lavonte David, at 35, is returning for his 14th season after signing a one-year contract in March. K.J. Britt signed with the Dolphins as a free agent.

But as much as anything, the reason the Bucs didn’t feel the need to address the position in the draft is their belief in SirVocea Dennis. The third-year pro played in only four games in 2024 before suffering a shoulder injury.

Dennis was asked if the decision was a vote of confidence in his abilities.

“I think my confidence remains the same, honestly. It was just the competition level,” Dennis said. “Bring in a guy, and you have to compete 100 times more, you know what I mean? So now, stay comfortable. Stay healthy and just compete. Go out there and do everything you can not only to stay on the field but prove to guys that you belong there.”

It’s not as if the Bucs ignored an obvious need this offseason. They signed former Dolphin Anthony Walker Jr., as well as ex-Falcon, Brown and Panther Deion Jones to one-year contracts.

Opposing quarterbacks attacked the middle of Todd Bowles’ defense a year ago, particularly through the air, and both Jones and Walker excel in coverage. Jones had a spectacular juggling interception during an 11-on-11 period at Tuesday’s workout.

“He’s a very good player,” Bowles said. “He’s a very good athlete. For him, that was routine. Anybody else, that would have been difficult. If I give him too much credit, he’s going to get a big head, so I’m going to let it go right now.”

SirVocea Dennis (8) greets fellow linebacker Deion Jones during voluntary offseason workouts Tuesday at AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]

But it’s the return of Dennis and reunion with David that is the reason for cautious optimism. Bowles was asked this week which defensive player consistently has stood out during voluntary offseason workouts.

“Really, the only one was ‘Voss’ (Dennis),” Bowles said. “He gets his hands on a lot of balls. If you want to say he’s had a very good four days, he’s had a very good four days. That doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things, but I like where he’s at right now.”

Dennis’ injury had a significant impact on a Bucs defense that allowed 22.6 points per game last season.

Despite playing in a platoon role behind Britt and being on the field for only 43.7% of the defensive snaps, Dennis had a combined 18 tackles over the first two games, including a sack of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. But two weeks later, Dennis aggravated a labrum injury from his days at Pitt and needed surgery.

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“I felt like I was just getting my groove back and then, you know, that shoulder just flared up on me and I guess at that point I had to get it done,” Dennis said. “I was really comfortable in the defensive scheme, and hopefully we’ll get back there soon.

“Everything has definitely slowed down for me. It’s fun just being out here, telling guys where to be and stuff like that. Just being around other guys and competing is fun, so I’m excited to be where I am.”

SirVocea Dennis is checked out by medical staff, after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sept. 29 in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times, 2024 ]

At least for one more season, Dennis will be standing next to David, who led the Bucs with 122 tackles and had 5 ½ sacks last season.

“I didn’t get a full year with Lavonte last year, so I’m definitely excited for that to see how that goes,” Dennis said. “And just to be alongside him for another year. I mean, (season) number 14. It’s amazing for him to be out here and play alongside him as well.

“I call him at night just to ask him a couple questions, you know what I mean? And obviously, 14 years in, this dude has seen so much and played so much, he’s probably tired of me now. But you know, sometimes I just want to talk ball. I know sometimes it’s like, ‘Leave that at work,’ but he enjoys it.”

At first glance, the 6-foot, 225-pound Dennis doesn’t look like a physically imposing NFL linebacker. He’s undersized for many schemes. When he puts on his glasses, he easily could be confused for a Wall Street broker.

But he reacts and plays fast, something that prompted David in the past to say that Dennis eventually may replace him as a defensive captain.

“It means a lot, really. Especially (coming from) a guy who’s seen a lot of ball, played a lot of ball, been with a lot of players,” Dennis said. “It means a lot, not only from him, but a guy like that who says, ‘He can have the keys to the car when I’m done playing.’ … Anytime anyone says that, it’s just like, ‘Thank you!”

According to Bowles, it’s just a matter of Dennis staying healthy and in the lineup. If he does that, the Bucs’ decision not to address the position in the draft will be validated.

“The fact that he’s been here two years, he understands how it works and what to do,” Bowles said. “Just the experience and him being out on the field every day and staying healthy will help him a great deal. I don’t worry about him from the game getting too big for him standpoint. He understands everything, he knows how to play, and right now he’s in the best shape he’s been in since he’s been here.”

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