The Busiest Student
October 10th, 2023
Cornerback/safety Dee Delaney.
Todd Bowles’ defense has been regarded for years as highly complex and no quick-study for any young player jumping into it.
And that’s a big reason why what defensive back Dee Delaney is doing is so special.
Delaney, 28, is in his third season as a Bucs backup and he’s now responsible for being prepared for every game at three different positions: outside cornerback, safety, and nickel cornerback.
Bowles praised Delaney on the Buccaneers Radio Network last week for how hard he studies and referred to him as the busiest player on his defense. Cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross talked about how Delaney bounces between cornerbacks and safeties meetings. And he said every good team needs a versatile player like Delaney.
Of course, it’s all meaningless if Delaney sucks. He doesn’t, thankfully.
The Bucs defense had no hiccup when Delaney jumped in at safety for injured Ryan Neal two Sundays ago at New Orleans. Delaney recorded his second interception of the season late in the game when he feasted on a high-risk throw from America’s Backup, Saints quarterback Jameis Winston.
It was Delaney’s second pick of the season. The first came while he was playing cornerback after Jamel Dean was injured against the Eagles.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:14 pm
I’ve been waiting for some Bucs sites to talk about him. Is he a candidate for most improved so far this season? He is noticeably making plays aside from the INTs when he is in.
Can’t wait to see if he gets more opportunities as the season goes on.
October 10th, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Delaney, Izien, and Zyon are absolutely balling in the backfield. A lot of guys that no one talked about and no one saw coming. Kudos for their hard work. Great job finding and coaching up talent by Licht and Bowles.
October 10th, 2023 at 1:02 pm
Zyon has blown me away this season. Solo tackles in tbe backfield, In the open field and pass defense.
Huuuge leap for the Z man. And a little love to Luke Geodeke too!! He’s ballin and it’s paying dividends.
October 10th, 2023 at 1:32 pm
I second the youngsters balling out along with Dee. The way he played safety against the saints I wouldn’t mind if he started this week regardless if Neal was healthy or not.
October 10th, 2023 at 2:03 pm
Dalaney doesn’t get enough credit. He’s Stepping Up! I’m with Bucs Fan on this one concerning Neal. That guy hasn’t impressed at all and I’d Also be good with Delaney taking that spot over.
Maybe Neal should be the back up until he Wakes Up! Neal had a “flash in the pan” last year and that’s how he got the gig. Well, besides being Canales’ “son in law”. And even then, Delaney is more qualified.
Neal was no more than Delaney is now until he had a good year last year. Delaney “deserves” the position because he’s EARNED his stripes on the Bucs squad and IS playing at a Very High Level, unlike Neal.
October 10th, 2023 at 3:26 pm
I went to a Bucs game in Charlotte and entered with a few folks with Delaney jerseys….I was impressed…..don’t even know if he got to play in that game….but he’s getting some snaps now……happy for them.
October 10th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Can we just step back and talk about how great JL is. I still remember all the tons of people wanting him fired. The man can find talent!!
October 10th, 2023 at 4:13 pm
Joe, I really like that you are focusing on players other than the QB.
October 10th, 2023 at 5:34 pm
Delaney used to be a curse word for a minute, and now he looks like a savy rookie that picked up the playbook overnight.
October 10th, 2023 at 7:17 pm
Him and Zyon have looked massively improved this season.
I think Delaney looks better at safety than corner, personally.
October 10th, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Just goes to show why you keep guys for multiple years in a Bowles scheme.
It is so complex, we said for years you got make it easier so they can play.
Neal is showing that he GOT the hang of Seattles defense EVENTUALLY, but can’t come in an be good RIGHT AWAY. MAYBEhe turns the corner and we get the Top 5 coverage guy he showed in Seattle, maybe not though. I’m ok with Delaney starting in his place after his showing so far. Last year Delaney looked lost on zone switches. Hopefully Merriweather is coming along nicely. I wanted Brian Branch at safety and he has been awesome for Detroit. He is hurt and might not play, but if he does, you will hear his name in n the box. Probably stuffing Rachaad White.
October 11th, 2023 at 12:39 am
Nailed it Joe!
Delaney is a very pleasant surprise, and playing all over the back end in Todds scheme is incredible to me. He Izien, and AWJ deserve major praise.
Go Bucs!
October 11th, 2023 at 12:57 am
delaney when thrust into games his first year due to injuries, struggled, yet also found some success out there on the field…
every year after i was glad to hear he was resigned…
at this point it sounds like he knows his sh!t in the system and is kind of a swiss army knife back there…
gotta love it…hopefully we hang onto him for a few more years now that he’s finally got everything down pat…
he’s definitely a dude off the bench
October 11th, 2023 at 7:51 am
It’s called quality depth, and we’re achieving it. Bowles will start our best players Sunday. Delaney is versatile. Go Bucs!!