Stats never tell the whole story. A player can be productive without lighting up the statsheet, and likewise, statsheets can sometimes mask a day that was far worse than it let on. There’s a lot that goes into evaluating players, but at the end of the day, perhaps the best way to do so is to watch film — and that’s exactly what one Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive player is telling you to do.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby celebrates after getting a stop in the second half against the New Orleans Saints. / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Bucs edge rusher Yaya Diaby took to social media to let the world know that he thinks he’s one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, and he wants you to watch him play football if you don’t believe him.

“I can’t wait to prove all the doubters wrong!! [sic],” Diaby wrote. “Trust and believe I am an elite pass rusher (FYI watch film).”

As far as stats go, Diaby didn’t stick out. He had a downgrade from his 2023 season, netting just 4.5 sacks against the 7.5 he did in 2023. But sacks aren’t everything — he had 16 more total tackles (59) and 14 more solo tackles (39) than last year, and he also had one more tackle for loss (13).

Additionally, grading sites like Pro Football Focus were fans of Diaby. With players who took 50% of the league’s highest pass-rushing snaps, Diaby was ranked the 11th-best pass rusher in the NFL with a 79.4 grade. He was also a frequent pass-rushing winner, winning on 18.1% of his pass-rushing reps — good for eighth in the NFL.

Is that elite? Probably not, and while Diaby was impressive in his ability to win at the line of scrimmage, he needs to convert those into sacks in the future. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to do that next season, and when he does, he might have a new edge rusher alongside him from free agency or the draft.