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SirVocea Dennis

SirVocea Dennis Player Profile

Summary

SirVocea Dennis was selected in the 5th round (153rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers He played college football at the Pittsburgh Panthers (University of Pittsburgh), where he compiled strong production — for example, in 2022 he recorded 94 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, and four passes defensed while earning First-Team All-ACC honors. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Known for his competitive toughness, leadership (he served as a team captain), and blitz-instincts, Dennis is a high-motor off-ball linebacker who brings physicality and aggression to the second level. Big Blue View

Strengths

  • Explosive downhill speed and burst — Dennis uses his rapid first-step effectively to shoot into gaps and make plays near the line of scrimmage. PFSN

  • Instincts and feel for run-fits — He consistently locates the ball carrier quickly, flows to the point of attack and shows good anticipation of play development. Big Blue View

  • Strong block-shedding ability given his size — Though not the biggest linebacker, he does a good job disengaging from blockers, especially in A-gap blitzes and one-on-one matchups. CBS Sports

  • Versatility in role — He has played both inside and more off-the-line roles, showing ability as a blitzer, run-stopper, and occasional space-player in college. Big Blue View

  • High effort and leadership traits — Reports emphasize his competitiveness, consistent effort and ability to set a tone defensively. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

  • Slightly undersized for traditional every-down linebacker duties — At around 6′0″ and ~226-230 lbs in draft profile, he lacks the mass often favored for heavy blocks or two-gap roles. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Coverage in space remains a question — While okay in shallow zones, evaluators noted limitations when targeted in tighter man coverage or when required to change direction and mirror receivers. CBS Sports

  • Arm length / reach not elite — Some reports flagged shorter reach compared to top linebackers, which can impact his ability to disengage blocks or extend in coverage. Big Blue View

  • Occasionally too aggressive and may over-pursue or vacate his gap in run defense — His aggressive style is a strength, but the same trait can create vulnerabilities in disciplined gap control. Bleacher Report

  • Still relatively unproven at the NFL level — As a fifth-round pick, he carries some developmental risk vs. higher-round, more tested prospects.

Fit & Outlook

  • Dennis projects best in a scheme that allows him to play as a downhill, aggressive inside linebacker, particularly in fronts that emphasise gap-attack, A-gap blitzes, and run-support from the second level rather than pure coverage responsibilities every down. A defense that uses nickel personnel often, rotates linebackers, and allows him to play with his strengths (instincts, burst, physicality) will maximise his impact.

  • Looking ahead, the outlook is promising: if Dennis stays healthy and continues to refine his coverage technique and block-shedding at the pro level, he has the potential to develop into a quality starter by Year 2 or 3. His leadership and effort give him a high floor as a rotational linebacker and special teams contributor. His ceiling is as a three-down linebacker capable of producing in run-defense and blitz packages, though full mastery of coverage duties will determine if he becomes a top-tier every-down player. For the Buccaneers (or any similar scheme team), he offers excellent upside as a developing piece with starter potential.