Buccaneers UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Kalen DeLoach

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers embraced competition by signing 16 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Florida State linebacker Kalen DeLoach highlights the class and has a terrific opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot.

DeLoach was one of the better-known UDFAs. He totaled 168 tackles, 18 for loss, 12 pass breakups, and 8.0 sacks across his final three seasons at Florida State as a versatile second-level defender with explosive sideline-to-sideline range. DeLoach was a popular target once the draft concluded—he reportedly received offers from six NFL teams.

DeLoach chose the Buccaneers for good reason. One of the most important deciding factors when choosing your landing spot via undrafted free agency is evaluating the depth chart and competition in front of you. DeLoach possesses a straightforward path to Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster.

The Buccaneers decided against re-signing Devin White this offseason. White totaled 894 snaps, nearly 80% of all Buccaneers defensive plays, last season. Somewhat surprisingly, general manager Jason Licht did not draft an inside linebacker in response, nor was one signed in free agency. DeLoach is one of just two undrafted linebackers signed by Licht, joined by Arkansas' Antonio Grier.

Long-time Buc Lavonte David is 34 years old and on a one-year contract. Former fifth-round pick K.J. Britt has four career starts and is seemingly the lineup replacement for White despite playing just 160 snaps a year ago. No. 3 on the depth chart is sophomore fifth-rounder SirVocea Dennis, who was involved in less than 9% of defensive plays last season.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles recently confirmed that DeLoach has a great opportunity in front of him.

“He has a good opportunity back there at linebacker,” Bowles said. “He’s a very good special teams player, he’s a very good nickel guy. He can play ‘Mike’ (middle) or ‘Mo’ (weak inside linebacker). He can play 2-backer spots. So, anybody has a chance when you do a lot of jobs on this club. He has a good chance to make it.”

Forget just making the roster. DeLoach could possess an opportunity to push Dennis for the first-priority rotational role at inside linebacker this season. The Buccaneers also have J.J. Russell at the position, but he was limited to a minor special teams role last year.

Speaking of the third phase, that’s another area DeLoach could prove his worth throughout training camp. DeLoach totaled 583 career snaps on special teams at Florida State, 210 of which occurred on kickoff coverage. 

Cam Gill led all Buccaneers linebackers in special teams snaps last season. He joined the Carolina Panthers via free agency earlier this offseason. Britt also played more than 60% of the Buccaneers’ special teams snaps in 2023. With Britt pigeonholed for playing an increased role on defense, someone is going to replace him on the hands team.

DeLoach certainly possesses the athletic profile required to quickly cover kicks and punts. The Savannah, Georgia native ran a second-best result of 4.47 at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash among all participating off-ball linebackers. The undersized DeLoach (5-11, 210) also leaped a respectable 9-foot-11 broad jump.

The Buccaneers don't possess much depth at inside linebacker, and they’re looking for young players to emerge. DeLoach is an athletic, high-energy defender who can also contribute on special teams. Expect DeLoach to maximize his opportunity in Tampa by capturing a 53-man roster spot, and maybe even a year-one role on defense.