Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Projected starting defense for 2020

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Linebackers: Jason Pierre-Paul, Devin White, Lavonte David, Shaq Barrett

This is arguably the best position group of not only the defense but the entire team. Bowles has four starters who are able to attack the opposing offense in a variety of different ways. Jason Pierre-Paul was brought back on a two-year deal, and the veteran will continue to harass opposing quarterbacks. He came back from a scary neck injury sustained last offseason to notch 27 tackles, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in just 10 starts.

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Devin White, the Bucs’ first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had a great rookie season, winning the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month award twice. He had 91 combined tackles to go along with 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He’s only going to get better as his career progresses, much like Bucs legend Derrick Brooks and the other starting inside linebacker, Lavonte David.

Speaking of David, he had another quietly excellent season. His first campaign in Bowles’ scheme arguably made him even more impactful than in seasons past, mostly because he was allowed to be the player who flies all over the field. That is David’s style of play and he gives Bowles a movable chess piece who can do it all.

Last but certainly not least, we have Shaq Barrett. Locking him up was priority number one this offseason for Arians and Licht. Although he will play 2020 under the franchise tag, look for him to sign a long term extension in the near future. He wants to play in Tampa Bay long term and the team brain trust wants that as well.

After signing a modest one-year deal last offseason, Barrett exploded with 19.5 sacks, leading the NFL and notching his first Pro Bowl berth. He might be the best player on an improving Buccaneers defense.