4. MLB Devin White (2019)
Extending past the last decade of draft picks made by Tampa Bay, taking veteran linebacker Lavonte David with the No. 58 pick in 2012 ranks as one of the best in franchise history. Playing in 181 career games, David has recorded 1,480 tackles, 160 tackles for loss, 67 quarterback hits, 33.5 sacks, 64 pass breakups, 12 interceptions, 28 forced fumbles, and 18 fumble recoveries, while earning one Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection each.
Seven years after taking David, the Buccaneers double-downed at linebacker by selecting LSU's White with the No. 5 pick, who quickly blossomed into one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. In 76 games (75 starts), White has totaled 566 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 64 quarterback hits, 23.0 sacks, 21 pass breakups, three interceptions, and nine fumble recoveries.
During the Buccaneers' magical 2020 season, White played an integral role in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl victory, totaling 140 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and four pass breakups, while making the NFL's All-Pro Second Team. In the following season, White impressed once again as the Buccaneers' star middle linebacker, posting 128 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three passes defended, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
Even so, the Buccaneers didn't give White a contract extension this offseason, and instead signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Eagles. The abrupt ending between White and Tampa Bay was in large part due to attitude issues throughout the season, which caused for a sour taste in the White experiment. Regardless, White still returned solid value as the No. 5 pick five years ago.