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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 best moves made this offseason

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with fans after defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-17 at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with fans after defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-17 at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin White of LSU reacts after being chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin White of LSU reacts after being chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. The drafting of Devin White

After the release of McCoy, the Buccaneers need someone to step up as the leader of their defense, and it appears the role is already being filled. 2019 fifth overall pick in the draft Devin White was known for his leadership skills at Louisiana State, and those are already translating to Tampa Bay.

An athletic freak, White has the speed to fly all over the field, and while he will need to work heavily on gap discipline, he perfectly fits the mold of a middle linebacker in the modern NFL which is focused on defending the pass. In Bowles’ 3-4 defense, White will get the opportunity to play in the middle of the defense with veteran Lavonte David.

In a division with Alvin Kamara, Devonta Freeman, and Christian McCaffrey, having a linebacker who can get to the edge quickly is a necessity. While it is hard for linebackers to win Rookie of the Year, it will not be a shock to see White hit triple digits in tackles and get his hands on his fair share of passes as well.

Needing a new face of the defense, adding White to the defensive via the first round of this year’s draft was a necessary move by the Buccaneers. Because of the speed and athleticism of the tight ends and running backs in the NFC South, adding White ranks as the runner-up of moves made this offseason.

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