The Buccaneers’ defense took a hit this week with the news that Calijah Kancey will miss the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral. Kancey, known for his burst off the line and disruptive ability, has become a critical part of Tampa Bay’s defensive identity. With him sidelined, the spotlight shifts to two unproven but intriguing names: Logan Hall and Elijah Roberts.Hall, a 2022 second-round pick, has yet to live up to expectations. While he’s shown flashes in limited snaps, consistency has been his biggest hurdle. At 6’6”, he has the frame and athleticism to be a problem up front, but production hasn’t followed.
This is Hall’s best chance yet to prove he belongs in a starting-caliber rotation. The Bucs don’t need him to be Kancey, but they do need him to win his 1-on-1s, hold the edge, and push the pocket.Roberts, drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of SMU, impressed during the preseason with his motor and physicality. While he’s raw, he’s tough at the point of attack and could offer solid run support in a limited role. He won’t be asked to dominate, but steady play and no major mistakes could go a long way.Replacing Kancey won’t be easy. But if Hall takes a leap and Roberts holds his ground, the Bucs may weather the storm. With veterans like Vita Vea and Lavonte David leading the front seven, Tampa Bay just needs its young guns to step up, not take over.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Can Elijah Roberts and Logan Hall step up with Calijah Kancey out?