Yaya Diaby was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft from Louisville and the Georgia Military College. Diaby immediately contributed to the Buccaneer’s pass rush in a major way with 7.5 sacks. Accompanied by 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 8 QB hits. This is despite Yaya Diaby not being a starter until week 12. While last season was a glimpse of what could be, there’s optimism from Tampa’s brass and fans that the 2024 season will be the year Yaya breaks out.
Why Yaya Diaby Is a Breakout Candidate in 2024
Steady Improvement
Diaby’s development as a pass rusher has been evident over his rookie season. His technique has shown noticeable improvement, particularly in his hand usage and pass-rush moves. He has refined his arsenal to include a variety of pass-rush techniques. This skill diversification allows him to be unpredictable and harder for offensive linemen to counter. Additionally, Diaby’s understanding of offensive linemen’s tendencies and his ability to read plays have advanced, contributing to his effectiveness as a pass rusher. Diaby has already demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt, which bodes well for his continued development. His work ethic and commitment to improving his game are likely to translate into on-field success as he becomes more comfortable and confident in his role. In a Todd Bowles system, the willingness and ability to mold into a do-it-all player is essential as Bowles loves to line up his weapons all over the field.
Passing of the Torch
Shaq Barrett led the pass rush for the Buccaneers since joining the team as a free agent in 2019. With Barrett’s departure and ultimately retirement and Tampa declining Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s 5th-year option, it’s Diaby’s time. The second-year OLB possesses a rare combination of power and speed that was on display early and often. Diaby dropped jaws at the combine running a 4.51 40-yard dash and a 1.56 10-yard split at 6’4 265 pounds. What sets Diaby up to shine in 2024 is confidence. Yaya Diaby showcased not only a devastating first step to put opposing players off balance but also pure power. Beating linemen off the line of scrimmage allows Yaya to drive blockers back into the QB, bull rush, or rip through blocks. From week 9 through the divisional playoff game, Diaby had a pressure rate of 10.44%.
The ability to successfully rush the passer as a rookie garnered Diaby the nickname of “Subzero” the ice-cold character from Mortal Kombat. Like Subzero, Diaby can freeze linemen with his speed and topple them with powerful hands. Rushing the passer isn’t the only thing Yaya Diaby has a knack for. Multiple times in 2023 Diaby was able to diagnose plays before the snap, slip through blockers, and stuff runners and quarterbacks alike in the backfield for a loss. Most notable was against the Tennessee Titans as Diaby flashed off the line of scrimmage and flattened Derrick Henry on one. Following the Second year Calijah Kancey and a slimmed-down Vita Vea will garner a majority of attention leaving YaYa ample opportunities for a breakout year.
