Buccaneers Rookies Snubbed From Multiple All-Rookie Teams
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received major contributions from their rookie class during the 2023 season. However, not a single Bucs player made the All-Rookie team for multiple publications. The Pro Football Writers of America put out their annual All-Rookie team on Tuesday which didn't feature a single Buccaneers player at any spot. While the Athletic's All-Rookie team came out on Wednesday and featured several runner-ups and honorable mentions but not one rookie made the team.
Even after missing three games, first-rounder Calijah Kancey had a heck of a season. He totaled four sacks in the regular season, more than notable Bucs legends Warren Sapp, Gerald McCoy, and Vita Vea had in their rookie seasons. Then he added two more in the postseason.
Second-rounder Cody Mauch didn't miss a snap all season despite several ups and downs he held his own and grew as the year went along. Yaya Diaby stepped into a starter role in Week 10 and didn't look back. He put up 7.5 sacks on the year leading all Bucs defenders.
Trey Palmer was the team's number three wide receiver after a preseason injury to Russell Gage and while there were some hiccups he played well. Though I understand his absence from the All-Rookie teams, undrafted free agent Christian Izien had a heck of a season. Having had the numbers to back it up to be selected as the nickel on either team. While the sixth-round cornerback Josh Hayes quietly led ALL players in special teams tackles didn't get a sniff at the special teams' spot.
As mentioned not one Buc made the PFWA All-Rookie team and they don't release the votes so we won't know how close they were to making the team. On the other hand, The Athletic did name several runner-ups and honorable mentions.
At the guard position, Mauch was beaten out by Steve Avila and Matthew Bergeron but did land an honorable mention. Yaya Diaby was named runner-up to Will Anderson JR., Byron Young, and Tuli Tuipulotu. Kancey was named an honorable mention behind Jalen Carter and Kobie Turner and runner-up Dante Stills. Other Bucs that made the list were Christian Izien coming in as runner-up to Brian Branch and Jordan Battle. Kaevon Merriweather was an honorable mention as well.
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