Buccaneers Predicted to Acquire 'Godfather' Defensive Tackle After Significant Health Scare

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general manager Jason Licht have had a clear focus on improving the defensive side of the ball, both in the secondary and linebackers, through the draft and free agency.

There's bound to be some turnover in Todd Bowles' unit in the coming years. Lavonte David almost retired this offseason before deciding to return on a one-year deal, and others, like Vita Vea, are entering the twilight of their respective careers.

ProFootballFocus recently conducted a "way-too-early" 2026 NFL Draft, and believes the Bucs will continue with their trend of a defensive focus with Alabama's LT Overton in the first round and Cincinnati's Dontay "The Godfather" Corleone in the third.

Corleone is a curious pick because of his health history.

After a stellar first two seasons in college football, where he posted a combined 84 total tackles with 41 solo and 13 for loss and six sacks, he was trending toward being a top draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But his career was put in jeopardy when doctors found blood clots in his lungs. He was shelved immediately.

“I am incredibly grateful to my family and for Aaron Himmler, Dr. Jon Divine, our whole medical staff and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for guiding me through this...” Corleone said. “Right now, I’m focused on my recovery. My hope is I will be able to return to football soon, but in the meantime, I will do everything I can to rehab and help the football program as a leader and mentor to our younger players. I’m looking forward to being around the guys soon. The sky is the limit for the Bearcats this season. 

"I love my teammates, our coaches, this university, this city, and — of course — this fan base, which has been incredibly supportive of me over the last three years.”

Corleone returned in 2024 to moderate success.

Had it not been for the medical issue, he probably would've been a first-round pick. Now, teams, including the Bucs, might be a bit leery of using a high pick on him with his health history. But a third-round pick two years removed from his scare, as long as he's healthy, doesn't seem like a stretch.