The Pewter Plank
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5 bold predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019

By Cory Kinnan

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shake hands following the 40-7 NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers returns a fumble as Teddy Veal #9 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers returns a fumble as Teddy Veal #9 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Devin White will make the Pro Bowl as a rookie

As a rookie, fifth overall pick linebacker Devin White will make the Pro Bowl as he will post a heavy stat line for the Buccaneers this season. The Butkus Award winner for best college linebacker a year ago currently has the fourth-best odds at winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and has been a starter since day one.

In new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ 3-4 scheme, he relies heavily on his linebackers to do it all. Good news for Bowles and the Buccaneers, White has extreme athleticism that will allow him to get to the boundaries, to fill a gap quickly, to blitz, or to drop back in coverage all while looking natural at all of it.

With Vita Vea and Suh as the only proven guys up front, the Buccaneers may struggle to field a useful defensive line, let alone have a solid rotation. Given the lack of depth along the defensive line for the Buccaneers this year, White could see a ton of tackles come his way as backs may be able to reach the second level with more ease than they should be able to.

Should White hit the century mark in tackles and sprinkle in some tackles for loss and sacks while picking off just a pass or two, he could be heading to the NFL’s all-star affair and make the trip to his first Pro Bowl in his first season.

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