The Tampa Bay Buccaneers add a talented linebacker in this 2019 Mock Draft. An injury-riddled unit in 2018, this selection could fit nicely next to Lavonte David.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com released his first Mock Draft following a week of practices at the Senior Bowl. Brooks had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking Devin White, a talented linebacker out of LSU.
White had a successful career for the Tigers. He saw his first action in 2016 where he played in eight games and recorded 30 tackles as a freshman. He leaped in the following season, racking up 133 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
With high expectations, White doubled-down on his tremendous sophomore campaign by the sound of 123 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Arguably the top inside linebacker of the class, White is a first-round lock, but he has taken a massive climb up draft boards landing him in the top five in this mock.
Here’s Brooks’ take on the pick:
"White’s speed, athleticism and playmaking ability would add a dimension to a Bucs defense that struggled to defend the run and pass over the middle."
Taking White certainly makes sense. At this point in the offseason, the addition of any defensive player is a welcome sight. Whether it be a linebacker or a defensive back, Tampa Bay needs plenty of help.
Brooks is right about the Buccaneers’ inability to cover over the middle of the field last season, but the addition of White would answer more questions than just coverage concerns.
Tampa Bay has injury concerns in what looked to be a talented group heading into last season. Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David are one of the best linebacking duos in all of football. However, an offseason injury to Kendell Beckwith and an ACL tear to Alexander sapped the Bucs of talent at the position.
With no depth, offenses targeted Tampa Bay over the middle of the field.
Now that Alexander is hitting free agency and Beckwith’s status for next season still up in the air, it would make sense to bring White into the fold.
The Bucs wouldn’t have to enter 2019 with concerns about depth at linebacker. They would again have at least a pair of viable linebackers. Adding Alexander and Beckwith back into the fold would create a tremendous group at the second level.