2019 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

5. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2019 Stats: 91 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 INTs, 3 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumbles recovered, 2 TDs

It’s not often we see linebackers come off the board this early in the draft. However, in the case of Devin White, it made perfect sense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to roll the dice. Based on his rookie season, I’d say the gamble is paying off for this franchise.

White was unquestionably a difference-maker in 2019. Not only was he routinely playing in the opponent’s backfield, but he made plays in coverage and often came up with game-changing plays. Just look at the above stats (including two touchdowns) for examples of his ability to single-handedly turn the tide.

Obviously White wasn’t perfect during his rookie campaign. He’s still working on his ability to read-and-react at an NFL level, and he was beaten too often in coverage — as is to be expected from first-year linebackers. With all of that said, the impact he made for Tampa Bay was undeniable.

The future is glaringly bright for White, who figures to emerge as one of the league’s top inside linebackers in the near future. There’s still work to be done for the young linebacker, but everything we saw in 2019 points towards plenty of good to come in the near future.

Grade: A-