March 31, 2026, 3:52 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turn the page following Lavonte David\u2019s retirement, the search for the next wave of leaders is already underway. And while one young defender has already earned David\u2019s stamp of approval, he isn\u2019t the only name the longtime linebacker believes is ready for a bigger role.<\/p>\n
Among those mentioned by David is outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is a rising presence on Tampa Bay\u2019s defense who has quickly made an impression both on and off the field. It\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n
Diaby has been one of the Buccaneers\u2019 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\u2019 front seven, despite having a true running mate to unlock his next level. But for David, this goes beyond sacks and tackles.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t gone unnoticed by one of the franchise\u2019s all-time greats. Especially at the end of the season, when Diaby spoke out about the amount of walkthrough practices being a detriment.<\/p>\n
David\u2019s endorsement of Diaby as a potential team captain speaks volumes, especially considering the standard he set during his time in Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n