Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What to expect from Lavonte David

Lavonte David, under Todd Bowles, has the potential to get back to the Pro Bowl and post one of his best seasons yet for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After seven seasons as a 4-3 outside linebacker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lavonte David will now transition to an inside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defensive scheme. Translation: David is going to eat a full plate every single Sunday.

He will be paired with fifth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft Devin White in the second level of the Bucs’ starting defense. The two of them should be able to tally tackle after tackle this season, but maybe not for the right reasons.

The Buccaneers’ defensive front only has two bonafide starters in Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh, meaning running backs may be hitting their level sooner than they should. Regardless, two linebackers like David and White who can patrol sideline-to-sideline may be the perfect pair at the second level behind a shallow defensive front.

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Throughout his career, David has excelled not only against the run, but also against the pass; the one-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro has been a stat sheet stuffer throughout his career. Moving him to the middle of the defense not only allows him to be the captain and anchor of the defense, but also put him in position to produce loud numbers yet again.

David has tallied ten career interceptions (five in his All-Pro 2013 season), defended an additional 38 passes, and also recorded 21.5 sacks, 641 solo tackles, 106 tackles for loss, and 45 hits on opposing quarterbacks. This type of versatility has Todd Bowles looking at his packages with eyes wide, knowing he can play David wherever and ask him to do what he needs him to do, and that he will do it well.

The linebacker entering his eight season in the NFL will be asked to blitz as often as drop back in coverage; David has a proven track record that he can do this well and at a high level. Last season David graded out in the green with a score of 77.3 according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Entering training camp, expect David to have his best season in the last three years, hitting over 100 tackles with plenty of hits on opposing quarterbacks, and he will see an increased chance to get his hands on the football a ton. David could be back to the Pro Bowl and beyond in 2019 under Bowles and his aggressive style of defense.