March 31, 2026, 3:52 p.m. ET

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turn the page following Lavonte David’s retirement, the search for the next wave of leaders is already underway. And while one young defender has already earned David’s stamp of approval, he isn’t the only name the longtime linebacker believes is ready for a bigger role.

Among those mentioned by David is outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is a rising presence on Tampa Bay’s defense who has quickly made an impression both on and off the field. It’s easy to see why.

Diaby has been one of the Buccaneers’ most intriguing young defenders since entering the league, flashing the kind of explosiveness and motor that defensive coordinators covet off the edge. His ability to generate pressure, set the edge in the run game, and play with relentless energy has made him a key piece of Todd Bowles’ front seven, despite having a true running mate to unlock his next level. But for David, this goes beyond sacks and tackles.

Leadership is about consistency, accountability, and the way a player carries themselves in the locker room, and Diaby has steadily built a reputation in all three areas. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic and willingness to learn, traits that have helped him grow from a promising prospect into a dependable contributor. That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Especially at the end of the season, when Diaby spoke out about the amount of walkthrough practices being a detriment.

David’s endorsement of Diaby as a potential team captain speaks volumes, especially considering the standard he set during his time in Tampa Bay.

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For over a decade, David led by example, and his belief that Diaby could follow a similar path highlights the young pass rusher’s maturity and presence within the team. There’s also something to be said about Diaby’s playing style. His high motor and physicality naturally energize the defense, the kind of traits that can galvanize a unit when momentum starts to swing. Those are often the intangible qualities that separate good players from true leaders – something to be compared to Jason Pierre Paul during his tenure.

As the Buccaneers continue to reshape their identity, Diaby appears to be firmly in the mix as part of the team’s leadership core.