For the better part of his career Lavonte David has been a steady force for the Buccaneers, but he will be noticed like never before in 2020.
Lavonte David has been a fan favorite around Tampa Bay Buccaneers circles for the better part of a decade now, but he has never been given the respect or credit that he deserves when it comes to analysis from the rest of the league.
Despite David being one of the most consistent and talented linebackers in the division, he has only been named a Pro-Bowler twice and a first-team All-Pro once in his eight year career.
The truth of the matter is this: The Buccaneers have been overlooked for so long, it only added up that we would see David get overlooked.
Had he been with an organization that receives a ton of attention- like the Cowboys, Patriots or Steelers- David might be a four or five-time Pro-Bowler at this point. Instead, he has been a force for the Tampa Bay organization and a mainstay for the Buccaneers.
His dedication, loyalty and commitment are about to pay off.
No NFL franchise has made a bigger splash this offseason than the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay brought back some key pieces to play around David defensively and they brought in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
As Peter Schrager suggested on Good Morning Football, the addition of Tom Brady has automatically placed David and the rest of his teammates in the lime light.
"When you sign Tom Brady, you become a primetime team. And with that, guys who haven't been spotlight players become household names. America, after 8 years, it's time to finally learn about Lavonte David, the best LB that gets the least love." -- @PSchrags | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/bq5xDwlq0O
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) May 6, 2020
The result?
David is going to be noticed like never before. Many of those media members who turned a blind eye to his production are going to suddenly recognize him for what he has become: An elite linebacker with great athleticism and physicality.
David is going to have an opportunity to etch his name as a Pro-Bowler this season and much of it has to do with the addition of Tom Brady this offseason.