SirVocea Dennis Fantasy Stats

ESPN's Jenna Laine writes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis had one of the most impressive offseasons of any defender on the team. "First day of OTAs, made one of the best plays I've ever seen a linebacker make," linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said. "He's special, man. Very cerebral and knows the game very well. Can really do everything on the field as a pass dropper, a blitzer and a run defender." Dennis only played in four games in 2024 due to a season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 4, and the middle of Tampa's defense was more vulnerable as a result. The 25-year-old was selected in the fifth round (153rd overall) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh. He looked like he was on his way toward a breakout season last year before his injury, as he had 22 tackles (14 solo) and a sack in essentially only three games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fifth-round rookie linebacker SirVocea Dennis got ESPN.com's Jenna Laine's attention this offseason for a defense that has struggled to get interceptions. Dennis is known more for his pass-rushing ability than his coverage skills in college at Pittsburgh, but he had two pick-sixes during offseason practices -- one in rookie minicamp and one off quarterback Kyle Trask at mandatory minicamp. The 23-year-old will be battling for the third inside linebacker job at training camp this summer behind Devin White and Lavonte David. Dennis produced 36 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in his final three seasons at the collegiate level and could really become a nice player for Tampa if he continues to produce in coverage as well as a pass-rusher.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers reserve inside linebacker K.J. Britt has been overshadowed by rookie fifth-rounder SirVocea Dennis during offseason workouts. Dennis has made standout plays in coverage, including two pick-sixes and some pass breakups in rookie minicamp and organized team activities that were open to the media. Britt had his moments during mandatory minicamp as well. The two players will be fighting for the No. 3 linebacker role behind Lavonte David and Devin White, and it's a competition that's expected to run all the way through training camp. The 23-year-old Dennis also played special teams in college, and even if he wins a spot over Britt entering his rookie season, he figures to see more work on special teams in 2023.