With the fifth pick overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected linebacker Devin White from LSU.
After playing as a backup his freshman year in 2016, White, as a sophomore, became a leader of the Tigers' defense. And during his sophomore year, along with Georgia's Roquan Smith & Alabama's Rashaan Evans, two first round picks in the 2018 draft, White was viewed as one of top linebackers in the SEC.
In 2018, White, who ran a 4.42 forty at the combine, recorded 123 tackles 12 tackles for loss & 3 forced fumbles.
Over his college career, the six foot 237 pounds junior showed the athleticism & ability to do it all at the linebacker position. White, a physical tackler, has the speed that allows him to play sideline to sideline & is viewed by some scouts as the best coverage linebacker in this year's draft.
Although White's speed can make up for any shortcomings, his ability to read & react to play action will be tested at the NFL level.
The drafting of White addresses Tampa Bay's need at linebacker, where the team lost linebacker Kwon Alexander in free agency. On Friday they will look to continue to address more needs on the defensive side of the ball when they make their selection in the second round & the 39th pick overall of the draft.