Could The Next Starting Inside Linebacker Be On The Bucs Roster
February 16th, 2024
Tribal thoughts.
Yesterday, Joe typed a post wondering if the Bucs will be in the market for an inside linebacker.
Joe doesn’t believe former No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Devin White, will return to the Bucs. Joe has a hunch that’s a mutual decision. Besides, White was benched in Decemger for K.J. Britt.
Why bring back an expensive guy you benched?
Then there is old dawg Lavonte David. No one publicly really knows if David will return or retire. Despite turning 34 just hours after the Bucs were eliminated from the playoffs, David played like he was 24.
So if David retires (or goes elsewhere, which is a nauseating thought), what are the Bucs to do?
Jonathon Macri of the PFF tribe seems to think the Bucs have the answer already on the roster. His name is SirVocea Dennis.
Perhaps this is a really deep sleeper pick for a breakout player in Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers are more than likely going to be without Devin White, who played over 900 defensive snaps for the team this past season and is set to hit free agency in 2024. And depending on if Lavonte David wants to sign another one-year deal with the team, it’s possible that he could also be gone, leaving a massive hole at linebacker. While Dennis [is known as a run-stopper from his days at Pitt] which could be a strength for the team to lean on even if it wants to use him as a sub-package option.
This isn’t a reach, this is a Hail Mary.
Look, Joe likes the kid but let’s be real: the Bucs had a tremendous rookie class last year. Of all the rookies who made the final cut, Joe thinks it is fair to say Dennis was the most disappointing.
In training camp and then in the Bucs’ first preseason game, Dennis was making all sorts of plays. Then he hurt his hamstring. It lingered for weeks and Dennis faded into the background and you rarely heard his name called again.
Yes, Dennis is known for run-stopping, not so much his pass coverage. And that is the issue. K.J. Britt, barring the Bucs going out and getting someone in the draft of free agency, will start but Britt isn’t known for his pass coverage, either.
Do the Bucs want to start the 2024 season with a pair of inside linebackers unproven as pass defenders? If that is the case, they may as well keep White.
February 16th, 2024 at 7:42 am
I think Joe is right here.
The optimist in me hopes that SirVocea Dennis can be the next Ronde Barber.
Nothing the first year but then wow.
February 16th, 2024 at 7:49 am
I think britt has one of the spots locked up. Very good with his run fits and fits that thumper type of MLB the bucs really haven’t had. Hopefully LVD will be back and Dennis can continue to learn from him and we add another in free agency/ middle rounds of draft. If not i think MLB will be something we hit earlier in draft.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:08 am
SVD for LVD….not quite yet……LVD will sign for another year….
Britt for White at this point is an even swap.
Go with G/C, TE, RB & S in the first 4 rounds.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:08 am
White isn’t known for his pass coverage either.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:08 am
Pickgrin Says:
February 15th, 2024 at 4:27 pm
You watch. In time, this former Pitt teammate of Kancey is going to be a very good NFL player.
Call it a hunch, but I am quite sure Dennis will ultimately outplay his draft position by a bunch….
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Joe Says:
” Dennis is known for run-stopping, not so much his pass coverage”
Sir Dennis had like 6 Ints including 2 pick sixes in the 15 or so mini camp and training camp practices prior to injuring his hamstring.
He’s already better in coverage than Diva White…….
February 16th, 2024 at 8:20 am
Solution: Bowles gets creative. He finds another stud, athletic safety to pair with Winfield. He then cuts Winfield free to play monster, rover, call it a bunch of names, Bowles trusts Winfield to be the coach on the field and let’s him have total freedom.
Winfield is obviously talented enough and he has that sixth sense when it comes to where the ball is going. In short…Winfield is a stone cold PLAYMAKER!!!
He’s smart, motivated, and now experienced enough for that type role on the field. He’s earned it….along with the elephant dollars he’s about to get from the Bucs!!! Someone here…probably D.R…used the comparison to the Chiefs for a model of cap investment. Pay high but only for the few super high production guys. Winfield is the epitome of “super high” production!
Pay him! Then USE him! Find another solid safety…perhaps FA to give Winfield some room to roam.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:21 am
BTW Letting Winfield play the hybrid safety/LB helps cover up any LB’s with poor coverage. Winfield will know and feel where that weak link is.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:26 am
Love love love AWjr, but a 5’9” 200lb inside linebacker he is not. Keep searching for the answer.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:35 am
Most of our secondary can’t play pass coverage either.
I think it’s a theme for us.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:36 am
Bucs will get one more year from LVD and draft an ILB who can cover on day 3.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:59 am
I feel like it is about once every 5 years that a college linebacker comes out that is actually ready to play in pass defense.
It seems like a skill they have to learn after they get into the NFL, so it is always just a hopeful projection. White had the speed but obviously not the feel for it.
February 16th, 2024 at 9:11 am
JJ Russell after a few seasons I bet
February 16th, 2024 at 9:35 am
Find a good pass rush. In house can’t get it, find people who can
February 16th, 2024 at 9:45 am
Sounds like a lot of wishful thinking. Will LVD return? None of us KNOW; we’re all guessing. Will Rnd 5 Dennis take a giant leap forward? Again, none of us KNOW; but who was the last Rnd 5 ILB we had start for a season? What happens if one of our two starting ILBs … whoever they turn out to be … gets injured early in the season & has to be replaced? (We lack DEPTH?)
The list of possible questions goes on & on. JL will have to figure it out, and he’ll have to do that within the confines of a rather restrictive 2024 Bucs’ salary CAP. Then TB will have to do the best he can to train them up & put them in a position to be successful. I for one wish ’em both luck.
February 16th, 2024 at 9:51 am
SVD played some good coverage in camp and in pre draft scouting reports his blitzing was touted. Coming out of camp I thought he would substitute for White in passing plays. But he didn’t seem to make any plays in special teams. Poor effort???? This guy needs to take a huge step to get playing time. I think there are some good ILBs that should be available in Rnd2 but not in later rounds. The question will be Bowels view of the guys on the roster now.
February 16th, 2024 at 10:01 am
Can we sign the guy in the photo?
February 16th, 2024 at 10:43 am
@Pickgrin, I agree that Dennis WILL be a good NFL player and outplay his draft position. Given his lack of reps during 2023 though he may need another year of development before he is ready for primetime.
Hopefully David will stay another year as it will help the development of his eventual replacement, whether it is Dennis or someone else. If I was the GM I wouldn’t let David leave, even if he decided to retire I’d keep him on the team for another year as a coach.
February 16th, 2024 at 10:44 am
Russell and Britt with Dennis backing them up
February 16th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Dennis is known for run-stopping?
Isn’t this the guy with those pick 6’s in training camp?
The replacement has to be on the roster. Everybody wants to trade for or sign some super star player in free agency every year. Licht doesn’t like using draft capital so if he’s a guy that will never take a big swing in the draft then you better be drafting starters. Licht don’t be scared, you need to prove Dennis was a good pick. You do it with offensive lineman every year
February 16th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
Probably a little crazy, but might be worthwhile taking a look-see at Kwon Alexander as an ILB backup. I didn’t like him as a MLB, but always felt that he’d do better as a weak side LB (which is where I believe he played at LSU). Kwon played sparingly with the Steelers last season (signed for only $1.3 mil) and is now a UFA.
Steelers also had another ILB named Blake Martinez who they played sparingly (both he & Kwon are about 30 years old). What fascinates me about him is that back in 2019 he had 155 combined tackles when he was Green Bay (they went 13-3 that season). Bounced around since then to the Giants, Raiders & Steelers, but he only made $1.1 mil last year. I guess any LB with the nickname ‘Boar’ who’s 6’2″ & 237 lbs just kinda catches your attention (hey it beats ‘The Matador’).
February 16th, 2024 at 1:55 pm
As long at LD54 comes back – we good for 2024.
LD54, Britt, Dennis and Russell is a perfectly acceptable (and very affordable) group of ILBs.
If an ILB that Bucs scouts and the GM really like is available at the right ‘value’ in this upcoming draft – then they should go ahead and draft another young guy with good potential now – because more quality ILBs WILL be needed within 1-2 years.
Better to have a potential replacement spend a year learning the ropes WITH Lavonte than not obviously.
But its not an emergency. Its not a gaping hole (unlike LG and SS). The group of ILBs we currently have will be just fine for 2024. Leaving Licht the luxury to draft for value instead of need.
February 16th, 2024 at 3:04 pm
You guys are sooo stupid no one can replace certain players on the team period!!!!
February 16th, 2024 at 3:05 pm
Think Joe forgot about JJ Russell being a guy in the mix here as well. Russell was probably the best linebacker in all of nfl in preseason, he could be a guy to surprise although Dennis is hopefully gonna have a great career. Either way David returning is crucial
February 16th, 2024 at 4:55 pm
Good news is this draft has a number of LBs who have shown they can cover in college so we could very well find another guy in this years draft.
February 16th, 2024 at 5:51 pm
i was thinking the same thing. he’s money on blitzes and strong against the run. seamless transition possible if he’s healthy. can’t expect him to play all year though, it’s a grind. we need to go depth. keep david if possible, but add 2 or 3 LBs and hold a true competition. dennis is gonna surprise people. britt is at least reliable. u gotta draft LBs at the end of drafts many times anyways, since ur at least hoping to find a special teams ace. biggest need is another safety
February 16th, 2024 at 6:59 pm
Hoping they can find a good inside linebacker in the draft. According to a couple analysts this draft isn’t deep at off ball linebackers. Maybe Jason Licht can work his magic and find a hidden gym at inside linebacker.
February 16th, 2024 at 7:27 pm
Keep White? Guy quit errrr was “hurt” gtfoh bye!
February 16th, 2024 at 7:48 pm
DoooshLaRue Says:
February 16th, 2024 at 8:35 am
Most of our secondary can’t play pass coverage either.
I think it’s a theme for us
Hahaha really funny original stuff Bro………… you are soooooooo CLEVER!
February 16th, 2024 at 10:48 pm
Build the trenches Its the only way
February 17th, 2024 at 6:29 am
Joe I hate to break it to you but Divas buddy Todd has been covering for his lack of coverage abilities for at least two seasons in various ways. Think about it.
Britt did not look bad in coverage to me. Same with Dennis. Diva has been a liability as an ILB except for his blitzing ability. Cant tackle, cant cover, cant fill, cant get off blocks, and loafs when he gets bored.
However I would be surprised if we don’t somehow acquire an ILB draft or FA.
Go Bucs!
February 17th, 2024 at 9:13 am
Rookie struggles. Oh well. Whoever ends up replacing Lavonte will be like how GMC was in the shadow of Sapp. Hopefully Lavonte has another year or two in him
February 17th, 2024 at 10:34 am
Starting ILB 2024 – David & Britt (Dennis will backup Britt). They will sign a veteran FA ILB and draft one with a middle or late pick to compete with Dennis.
February 18th, 2024 at 12:15 am
Dennis proved nothing last year other than being glass. This would be a big gamble.
February 18th, 2024 at 12:18 am
I said at the beginning of training camp- that there was 2 guys out of this draft class that I thought would be great Starters.
YaYa Diarby and SirVoncea Dennis.
Still believe that. All the others are Icing on the cake.
I think Lavonte David is here for another 2 years. I hope so.
Ive also said that Shaq will be much better next year. It takes 2 years to recover from an achilles.
But our biggest need is still pass rusher. Hope in find on in FA.
But no matter- gotta find one