2021 NFL Draft: Way too early mock draft for the Buccaneers
By Rob Leeds
Merlin Robertson, LB, Arizona State
No one even wants to consider the possibility, but Lavonte David won’t be a Buccaneer forever. At 30 years old, David hasn’t shown any signs of decline yet, but the Bucs do need to start preparing for the future.
David is one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL. His ability to generate penetration and shut down the pass are second to none in the league, and finding a replacement to play alongside Devin White is a tall order.
Merlin Robertson of Arizona State fell to the Buccaneers here in the mock, and this is excellent value for the pick. Linebackers are much like running backs in that they are better valued later in the process, and a linebacker in the fourth is exactly where Tampa Bay wants to be.
Robertson has been an extremely versatile performer during his time at Arizona State with 151 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, two interceptions, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
If Robertson can show up on the stat sheet like this in the NFL, the Buccaneers will continue to field the best linebacker duo in the NFL, even if Lavonte David retires or moves on to another team.