Pederson Reveals Thoughts of Buccaneers Star Players

Now that joint practices between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars have concluded, each team got a close-up look into how the other prepares on the practice field.

The Jags' Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson is long respected in the NFL being a former player, and successful in several coaching roles. Before the second day of the joint practices, Pederson had some remarks for a couple of players that caught his eye during Wednesday's practice.

One of those players was Bucs nose tackle Vita Vea.

"Vita Vea is a big, strong, powerful human being, but that’s good for us,'' the coach said. "That’s good for Mitch (Morse) and the guys to go against.''

Vea caught the eye of the Jags coach early in the joint practices when he recorded an early sack on quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Then he continued to do what he does best stuffing up the line and being at the forefront of the Bucs rush defense.

The Buccaneers wouldn’t be where they are without captain linebacker Lavonte David, who also had an impressive two days of practice according to Pederson.

Related: Key Defensive Players to Watch in Buccaneers' vs. Jaguars Preseason

“Obviously a tremendous player,” Pederson said. “A good leader, veteran presence. Still playing at a high level. I think that’s what you want in players like that. Every roster is looking for guys that can do that."

David is still at the top of his game at age 34, and it's fascinating that he has been so productive in this league since Doug Peterson took his first head coaching position in 2016.