The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ushering in a youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. While veterans like Lavonte David and Vita Vea continue to anchor the unit, the rest of the depth chart is filling with hungry young players ready to seize their moment. With spots open across the secondary and edge rotation, the 2025 training camp will be a proving ground for the next generation of Buccaneer defenders. Here’s one rising player to watch at each defensive position group as the battle for roles intensifies in Tampa.

Defensive Line: Logan Hall

Logan Hall is running out of time to establish himself as a reliable contributor. With the starting spots locked in by Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, Hall must prove he belongs in the regular rotation. His size and athletic profile are undeniable, but coaches are looking for better leverage, pad level, and discipline in run defense. A strong showing in camp could finally solidify Hall’s place in Tampa Bay’s long-term plans.

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Edge Rusher: Chris Braswell

Chris Braswell is one of the most intriguing young defenders on the roster. With Haason Reddick expected to lead the group, Braswell is in a prime position to compete for significant reps opposite him. His strength and tenacity off the edge stood out at Alabama, but training camp will reveal how quickly he can adapt to NFL-level pass protection. A strong showing in joint practices and preseason games could accelerate his climb.

Linebacker: SirVocea Dennis

With KJ Britt gone, SirVocea Dennis has an open runway to a starting job alongside Lavonte David. Dennis impressed in limited action last season with his instincts and sideline-to-sideline range. At this training camp, coaches will test their ability to handle communication responsibilities, defend in space, and read blocking schemes. He’s a cerebral, high-effort player, and this is his shot to prove he’s ready to lead the next wave at linebacker.

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Cornerback: Jacob Parrish

Rookie Jacob Parrish is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in camp. After a standout career at Kansas State, Parrish arrived in Tampa as an under-the-radar signing draftee, but he’s already pushing for meaningful reps in a wide-open cornerback room. His quick feet, ball skills, and confidence have translated well so far. With questions behind Jamel Dean, Parrish has a legitimate shot to carve out a rotational or even starting role if he continues to flash in coverage drills and preseason action.

Safety: Tykee Smith

After arriving from Georgia, Tykee Smith is expected to step into a major role at strong safety. With Jordan Whitehead no longer in the fold, Smith’s versatility, toughness, and physical presence will be tested early in camp. Coaches want to see how well he holds up in coverage against tight ends and how quickly he builds chemistry with Antoine Winfield Jr. If Smith plays fast and clean, he could be one of the Bucs’ most important defensive changes in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Key Bucs players to watch on defense during training camp in 2025