The Florida State inside linebacker chose the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over offers from several other teams as an undrafted free agent.
TAMPA ― Over three days, seven rounds, and 257 picks, Kalen DeLoach’s name was not called during the NFL draft. He didn’t receive a call from any general manager indicating that his life was about to change.
At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, DeLoach has often been overlooked and underestimated throughout his career.
But after the draft ended, DeLoach had the opportunity to choose his team. He received offers from a half-dozen teams to sign as an undrafted free agent.
Ultimately, DeLoach selected the Buccaneers, evaluating their depth chart at inside linebacker. He saw that Lavonte David is 34 years old, K.J. Britt has only four career starts, and SirVocea Dennis was a rookie last season.
“With all the teams that called, I definitely looked at who they had in line and how many backups they had in the room,” DeLoach said. “I’ve got Lavonte and K.J., so I’ve got guys I can learn from. I’m coming here to be a sponge and learn as much as possible. This was the best choice for me.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles confirmed that DeLoach made a wise choice after just one minicamp workout.
“He has a good opportunity at linebacker,” Bowles said. “He’s a very good special teams player, a good nickel guy. He can play ‘Mike’ (middle) or ‘Mo’ (weak inside linebacker). Anybody has a chance when you do a lot of jobs on this club. He has a good chance to make it.”
The Bucs have a history of successful undersized inside linebackers from Florida State, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and Geno Hayes.
“Brooks was around the whole season,” DeLoach said. “… Undersized coming in here. I feel like this is a program I could succeed in, with a lot of blitzes and man coverages. I’m here to make plays and do what I do.”
DeLoach had a productive career at Florida State, with skills that Bowles values as “chess pieces.” He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds at the NFL combine, recorded 11 sacks in three seasons, and excelled in pass coverage with 11 passes defensed and two interceptions.
Despite weighing 210 at the scouting combine, DeLoach gained six pounds by the Seminoles’ pro day and plans to play at around 220 by increasing his protein intake, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before bedtime.
DeLoach’s best path to a roster spot is through special teams. Britt will start opposite David, who is year-to-year. Dennis is seen as David’s potential successor, and the Bucs have also been impressed with Antonio Grier, an undrafted free agent from Arkansas and USF.
“I’m trying to get involved in any special teams I can,” DeLoach said. “Whatever coach has me on the depth chart, I’m putting forth my best effort every day.”
The Bucs’ history with undersized linebackers from Florida State works in his favor.