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BY IRA KAUFMAN
@IKaufman76

This is a story about the Old Man and the C.

In this case, the old man is veteran Lavonte David, a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defense since 2012. The C is fellow linebacker Devin White, who is destined to be the commander-in-chief of this unit before long.

White’s leadership skills, along with his elite speed, convinced the Bucs to select him with the fifth pick in the 2019 draft, bypassing several intriguing edge rushers.

Clean game, explains Ira Kaufman.

He’ll be wearing the C before you know it.

Slowed by an early-season injury, White flashed enough skills as a rookie to generate excitement about his potential. Although he wasn’t particularly effective as an inside blitzer, his coverage skills improved steadily and White certainly doesn’t lack confidence.

David, 30, has a real opportunity to burst into national prominence this fall.

Luke Kuechly’s retirement opens up an NFC Pro Bowl spot at inside linebacker, but Bobby Wagner is still making plays and Deion Jones represents serious competition within the division.

Should the Bucs fulfill expectations and end this debilitating 12-year playoff drought, David’s chances of earning his first Pro Bowl nod since 2015 would be enhanced significantly. Those five prime-time games won’t hurt his profile, either.

“One of my best friends is Lavonte David,” says Gerald McCoy. “I believe he deserves all the TV time he’s going to get. I believe he’s very, very underrated.”

David’s pro career has been marked by durability, production and resiliency. Despite missing only seven starts in eight years, he’s still pining for his first postseason appearance. David has been whistled for only seven penalties during his career — but his first one was a whopper.

In the 2013 season opener at the Meadowlands, David’s late shove of Geno Smith, who had just reached the New York sidelines after a desperate scramble, led directly to the game-winning FG by the Jets.

“Senseless play by Lavonte David,” said John Lynch, who worked the game as a FOX analyst.

It was a rare lapse of poise by David, who sat forlornly at his locker that afternoon as teammates wandered by, trying to lift his spirits.

“I don’t know what to say,” David offered. “They called a flag, I guess I hit him out of bounds.”

Middle Management

When Bruce Arians arrived, he implored David to become a more vocal leader. David obliged and now the Bucs face the prospect of losing David to free agency in 2021 unless the two sides work out an extension.

White’s contract isn’t an issue at this point and it’s hard to imagine the Bucs allowing David to test the market.

Last call or lifetime Buc? (Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

“I honestly believe they can be the best linebacker duo in the league this year,” Carlton Davis says. “There’s just so much potential in Devin White. He showed it last year and I’m expecting him to take another step this year.

“Lavonte David speaks for himself — he’s a beast. He’s all over the film, making plays from sideline to sideline. He’s our vocal leader. There’s not enough praise for him in my opinion. Those guys are going to get their recognition this year.”

Tom Brady’s presence could have a major impact on Tampa Bay’s defense in general and David in particular. You won’t see a league-leading 41 giveaways and 7 pick-6s this fall. You’ll see better ball security from the offense and better field position when the defense is called upon.

At this stage, David serves as a wise role model for White, whose day is coming.

Working together, they can own the middle of the field and keep this franchise in the middle of the national conversation.

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