NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Top 2019 candidate in each division

By Michael Johnson

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin White of LSU poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin White of LSU poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen #5 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

NFC South: Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This wasn’t an easy decision. Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns is in a great position to get 10-plus sacks as a rookie. Unfortunately, this defensive end class is deep. On the other hand, Devin White has an excellent defensive coordinator in Todd Bowles. Look no further than his tenure as the defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets for evidence.

During his time there, he coached linebackers that possessed a similar skill-set to White’s. In fact, former Jets linebacker Darron Lee and White are similar sizes. Both linebackers are under 6-2 and over 230-pounds and ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash.

Like Lee, White can drop into coverage and is willing to take on guards. What stands out about White is his athleticism on his 6-1, nearly 240-pound frame. Bowles will put him in position to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

The Buccaneers will undoubtedly blitz a ton. Jason Pierre-Paul is coming off the edge and Vita Vea will keep him clean. While Lavonte David will take on the duties that require instinctive play. Ndamukong Suh came on strong during the latter part of the 2018 season and now joins Tampa. Playing in a hybrid 3-4, blitz-heavy scheme will allow White to become effective in year one.

Home/NFL