The Buccaneers’ defense has been a cornerstone of their identity during the Todd Bowles era, but in 2025, it’s poised for a transformation. With a blend of returning stars, rising talent, and competition at several lackluster key positions in 2024, Tampa’s defense could take a major leap.

Here are three bold predictions for how the Bucs’ defense will grow this season:

Jamel Dean loses his starting spot to Benjamin Morrison

Jamel Dean is considered one of the Bucs’ starting corners since being drafted, but this could be the year that changes. After another up-and-down 2024 derailed by injuries and inconsistent play, Dean enters 2025 with something to prove. However, if healthy, second-round draft pick Benjamin Morrison might prove too good to keep off the field.

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The second-round pick out of Notre Dame has fluidity, instincts, and ball hawk mentality — traits that were sometimes missing in the Bucs’ secondary last year. If Morrison has a strong preseason and shows he can hold up in man coverage, don’t be surprised if he’s taking first-team reps by November.

Calijah Kancey breaks out with double-digit sacks

Calijah Kancey has shown flashes, but 2025 is where he makes the jump. With a full offseason to refine his technique and improve his strength, baby Aaron Donald is primed to assert himself as the next budding defensive star.

Playing alongside Vita Vea and rookie additions like David Walker and Elijah Roberts, Kancey should see more one-on-one opportunities, and he’ll capitalize. If he can avoid more calf issues like in his first two seasons, expect him to eclipse 10 sacks, anchoring a much-improved Bucs pass rush and cementing himself as one of the league’s most dominant defensive linemen.

SirVocea Dennis emerges as Bucs’ next LB1

Lavonte David is still the heartbeat of the Bucs’ defense. Still, the future is coming fast, especially after David revealed it took longer for him to decide to continue playing, and SirVocea Dennis is ready to lead. After showing flashes in 2024 with strong tackling and sharp instincts, Dennis is in line for a significant role increase in 2025.He’s faster than expected, strong in coverage, and most importantly, his IQ jumps off the page – the kind of player who reads plays before they happen. As the season progresses, expect Dennis to command the defense more vocally and begin showcasing that he can handle top linebacker duties.

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Whether David retires after this season or not, Dennis will make it clear that Tampa Bay’s linebacker room is in good hands.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers bank on health, players taking the next step in 2025