Bucs Nation
The dismissal of Devin White may create a high-priority hole in Tampa’s front 7.
You’d expect a top 5 draft pick to stick around longer than his rookie deal, but Devin White didn’t quite pan out for Tampa and now leaves a talent gap for the Buccaneers.
Lavonte David is still elite as ever and returns for his age-34 season, but he’s firmly year-to-year and will only be around for so long. The Bucs received a pleasant surprise from K.J. Britt, who essentially forced the team to bench White late in the season and played very well, opening up the possibility of him becoming a full-time starter.
The team also drafted Sir’Vocea Dennis in 2023 and didn’t get him much run, so he could be up for a snap uptick as well. Depending on how Jason Licht and Todd Bowles feel, however, they might want someone with higher athletic upside (which Britt lacks) and high-level college production.
Could that lead them to someone like Junior Colson? Let’s explore.
Colson is an incredible story. Originally from Haiti, Colson lost his father at a young age and was placed at an orphanage owned by his uncle. Shortly after, the 2010 earthquake devastated the area. He then met his eventual adoptive mother, who participated in relief efforts, and they all went through a 2-year process for legal adoption.
At 9 years old, Colson boarded a plane for the first time to Tennessee, speaking only Haitian Creole. He learned English and integrated into his new culture with help from sports, and he found a comfort zone on the football field.
A 4-star recruit and the top 10 linebacker in the 2021 class, Colson fielded offers from basically every major Power 5 program but settled on Michigan after connecting with the Wolverines’ linebacker coach (also of Haitian descent).
He was immediately an impact player as a freshman, starting 7 games and being named a freshman All-American. The following two seasons he started all 29 games, collecting 196 total tackles (8.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks, and 5 passes defensed while earning back-to-back second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Last season, he also earned the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which rewards a player for tremendous character on and off the field.
Unfortunately, a hamstring strain prevented Colson from working out in any capacity this draft cycle. He measured in at 6-foot-2, 238 pounds with 32 1/2” arms at the NFL Combine, which is a good size for his position.
He did meet with the Bucs at the Combine and even spoke about his admiration for Lavonte David.
If Colson were to suit up in red and pewter, he would have the inside track to be the starter next to Lavonte David from the jump.
While we don’t have the measurables to solidify it, Colson is a strong athlete who Bowles will like as a potential fit in his scheme....
