Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Devin White: Grade, reaction for 2019 NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the Bruce Arians era by selecting a playmaking linebacker in Devin White. Grading the selection.

The best linebacker in the 2019 NFL Draft went to Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the No. 5 pick, the Buccaneers selected LSU inside linebacker Devin White. The White selection gives the Bucs an elite athlete at inside linebacker.

At the combine, he floored everyone with his performance. He ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical jump. Those numbers reflect his tape.

In fact, The Draft Network praised his athleticism and agility:

"“Can make plays from sideline to sideline. Explosive mover with a spring in his step. Fluid with excellent burst that can fill windows and cover ground in a hurry. Features the ideal physical skill set to counter today’s space and pace NFL offenses.”"

During his tenure in LSU, White absolutely dominated in the middle of the Tigers defense week in and week out. Over the last two seasons, White totaled 286 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. White isn’t just a tackling machine, though, as he can drop into coverage effectively. That’s best evidenced by his six pass breakups.

White comes in and replaces Kwon Alexander, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers after signing a massive free agency deal. Along with Deon Bucannon and Lavonte David, White gives the Buccaneers arguably the fastest group of linebackers in the NFL. Bowles knows how to coach defenses and, now getting back to his comfort zone as a coordinator, he’ll get the best out of White.

White was a top five overall player on a number of draft boards. The Buccaneers got him at No. 5, exactly where he deserved to get drafted. The pick isn’t much of a surprise and does fill a need.

Grade: A