Bucs Nation
How big of a need is the linebacker position?
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers deciding to part ways with 2019 first-round draft pick Devin White, linebacker shifts into focus as a possible team need. Of course, the position is set to be anchored by living legend Lavonte David but some of his positional peers are not nearly as proven.
Beyond David, Tampa Bay fans may need to learn to love guys like K.J. Britt and Sirvocea Dennis. Both Dennis and Britt did receive some playing time last year amidst the Devin White drama/benching—The story arc that brings us here, to the question— How big of a need is the linebacker position?
In his five seasons with the team, Devin White ran as hot as a sauna and he ran as cold as the polar ice caps. The incredibly high-highs and shockingly low-lows were just a part of the package. A package that was accepted by many, if not all, until one offseason ago.
White tried to push the Buccaneers into a new contract— wanting to be compensated as one of the best in the league, at his position. The Buccaneers, with their rose colored glasses set off to the side, took a firm stance of— No.
Tampa’s unwillingness to meet White’s demands prompted a new demand. Trade me.
Jason Licht responded just as he had to the contract demands prior— No.
So the drama ensued—
And never truly came to an end.
The conclusion of Devin White's Tampa Bay story arc wasn’t the Hollywood ending anyone would’ve hoped for. Last season, White got injured, played through it, underachieved, seemed lacking in focus, and ultimately was told his playing time would be cut in favor of the aforementioned K.J. Britt. Britt would go on to finish the season with 29 tackles and tack on another 15 in the postseason. Fellow unheralded linebacker, Sirvocea Dennis, had a mere 13 tackles last season and Lavonte David, the ageless one himself, is on a one-year contract approaching year 13. So, How big of a need is the linebacker position? It's a sizable need.
The only thing that may move attention and focus away from the need that exists is the fact that today’s NFL has minimized the impact of the position group as a whole. Even still, Tampa Bay, as well as anyone, can speak to the value of having a difference maker in the center of their defense. From guys like Hardy Nickerson and Derrick Brooks to their more modern counterparts— Lavonte David and at his peak, Devin White (who showed, during Tampa’s playoff run in 2020, the impact a linebacker can have for a defense), Tampa's history shows the value of quality play at the position.
Linebacker is a short-term and long-term need for the Buccaneers and that changes the question.
How big of a need is the linebacker position?
Becomes— Is there a prospect at the position who can be a difference maker?
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