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YaYa Diaby

YaYa Diaby Player Profile

Summary

YaYa Diaby was selected in the 3rd round (82nd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay BuccaneersHe played college football at Louisville, following two seasons at Georgia Military College. During his final season at Louisville (2022), Diaby produced 37 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 9.0 sacks, earning Third-Team All-ACC honors. SI Known for his relentless motor, elite explosiveness, and physicality, Diaby brings a high-upside developmental edge-rusher profile. Tampa Bay Buccaneers His character is highlighted by perseverance—he has spoken about his journey from being a zero-star recruit to making a significant impact in the NFL. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Strengths

  • High-level explosiveness & athleticism: Ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, had a 120″ broad jump and 37″ vertical at the NFL Combine, showcasing rare speed and explosion for his size. SI

  • Raw power and first-strike ability: Able to overwhelm blockers with a dominant bull rush; his strength allows him to drive through offensive linemen. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Long limbs + active hands: Uses his length and violent hand usage to shed blocks, disengage, and create leverage. SI

  • High motor / effort: Plays with tempo, flashes second-effort rushes, and shows a “never off” approach. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Pass-rush burst + closing speed: Uses his quick first step and closing burst to generate pressure from both inside slants and outside loops. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Improving toolkit: Though raw, he's already working to expand his move set (e.g., long-arm counter, double swipes) as noted by his own coaches and scouts. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Weaknesses

  • Positional “tweener” risk: At ~263 lbs (combine listing), he lacks ideal mass for a true 3-4 defensive end inside, while his lateral agility isn't quite elite for a pure outside speed rusher. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Limited pass-rush repertoire: Relies heavily on speed + power; scouts warn he needs to develop more refined, diverse counter moves to be consistently effective. SI

  • Change-of-direction / bend: While explosive, he can struggle in tight areas or at the second level when asked to bend and maneuver around blocks. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Leverage inconsistencies: Plays upright at times; his pad level and positioning can suffer, which limits his effectiveness against heavier blockers. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Limited experience at the highest level: Only one breakout season in FBS (2022) and relatively few pass-rush reps against top-tier college offensive tackles, meaning his technique is still developing. SI

Fit & Outlook

  • YaYa Diaby is ideally suited for a role as a hybrid edge rusher in a scheme that emphasizes attacking fronts or rotating pass-rushers. In Tampa Bay’s system, which blends 3-4 and 4-3 concepts, Diaby fits well as a “power + speed” edge option who can stunt, loop, and penetrate. His explosiveness and athleticism make him a strong asset on sub-package downs and in pass-rush packages where he doesn’t need to carry heavy two-gap responsibilities.

  • Looking forward, the outlook for Diaby is very optimistic. He has the raw physical tools to become a foundational rusher, but his long-term success depends on refining his technique and building a richer move set. Coaches in Tampa Bay have praised his development, noting gains in hand usage and release as he gains experience. Bucs Nation If he continues to grow, he has the potential to be a high-impact starter and consistent sack-producer. Even if his pass-rush ceiling takes time to fully blossom, his motor and athletic traits give him strong value as both a rotational terror and future every-down difference-maker.