Lavonte David May Burst (Some) Fans’ Dreams
February 10th, 2025
Snowball effect.
Look, no one, and Joe means no one, has hollered, barked, destroyed a keyboard and slammed a fist so hard on the desk it spilled coffee all over creation because the Bucs haven’t stopped playing games and gotten a proven edge rusher.
No one has screamed about this more than Joe. And until or unless this massive hole on the Bucs roster is fixed, Joe will continue to do so.
A lot of Bucs fans (Joe is not among them today) want the Bucs to draft an edge rusher in the first round in April. In theory, this is a good idea. But Joe doesn’t trust Todd Bowles to develop a rookie.
Why? He’s never done so.
Now Joe knows people will throw Cam Wake in Joe’s face. When Wake joined the Dolphins, Bowles was primarily a secondary coach in Miami. Yes, he was an interim head coach once with the Dolphins, but his primary focus on position groups was secondary. So Joe doesn’t know how much if any credit goes to Bowles that Wake blew up in 2010 with 14 sacks.
Maybe Bowles had a major impact on Wake. It’s unclear but seems doubtful.
And for those who still believe the Bucs should draft an edge rusher with the No. 19 pick, pray then that Bucs icon Lavonte David returns.
David thought about retirement last year and who knows about this offseason? If David retires, and K.J. Britt, a free agent, signs elsewhere, the Bucs then would have no starting inside linebackers returning.
That’s bad. And if that happens, Joe thinks it’s a damn good bet the Bucs draft a linebacker at No. 19.
Joe isn’t an @ss enough to claim David will screw up the Bucs if he retires. But if he does, don’t the Bucs pretty much have to draft an inside linebacker at No. 19 if they don’t fill the holes in free agency?
The free agency dinner bell rings four weeks from Wednesday. Two days prior, legal tampering kicks off. Illegal tampering ramps up in two weeks at the combine in Indianapolis.
Fun times!
February 10th, 2025 at 3:51 pm
I’m not sure how much more obvious it can be that we need secondary help as a priority.
February 10th, 2025 at 3:55 pm
We need ILB’s regardless.
If LVD doesn’t retire this year he’ll be gone by the next.
Definitely more need and less depth than our line.
Safety and corner may be greater needs also.
I’d be happy if we picked up a stud pass rusher but our 2nd and 3rd defensive level needs are BIG deals.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:04 pm
edge and linebackers. must get to quarterback period
February 10th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Disagree UK, it starts up front. Maybe if we had an edge (you know, like Philly did last night and Tampa against 2020, REMEMBER) then Bowles wouldn’t have to try to manufacture pressure with weird blitz packages. Its also arguable that the most glaring weakness on the team last yr was at MLB, a position that has become highly relevant and important again along with running back. If Lavonte, a guy that has probably had to work magic to cover massive deficiencies for the linebackers on gameday leaves – then that position becomes all the more urgent. The toughest teams are built from the inside/out. Forever and always. As Philly showed last night. We have the O-line, now lets build an intimidating presence on the defensive front 7
February 10th, 2025 at 4:16 pm
I have to agree with #gofortheface30. What most don’t know is Philly has some rookies in the secondary. The one who had a pick 6 last night was a rookie with his first career interception. Why did he get it you ask? It’s because the defensive front 4 were creating havoc in the backfield.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
It’s a need, sure. But free agency and later rounds of the draft all exist to find players.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:22 pm
Devin White is a free agent… just saying…
February 10th, 2025 at 4:31 pm
I’m going to be THAT guy that comes in with optimism about Sir Dennis. I understand that he has a rep now of being injury prone, but a lot of that stemmed from a lingering shoulder problem from his college days that has now been surgically repaired. When he was on the field last season he appeared to have the makings of the next great Bucs LB. That said, we all know the best ability is availability and until he proves that he can play 15+ games a year he is what he is. But let’s not forget that he does exist and could be a guy going forward.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
It’s clear as day that a better pass rush would not only help the zones in the secondary but also that big hole we had in the center of the field. A beastly front 4 makes the back 7 so much stronger when they don’t have to try to cover for so long!!!!
February 10th, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Sounds like the real debate here is about which is better a 4-3 or a 3-4 D?
I grew up watching 4-3 D’s and so I’m more comfortable with that strategy.
I’m also not so old I don’t recognize inevitable change! Todd may be right he might be wrong. But no single DL was going to change the Bucs Pass D last year.
Again the Bucs were top ten in sacks! Yes the interior VV and Kancey provided a lot of those. Since when is pressure right up the middle of the line, quickly forcing a QB out of his “spot” a bad thing?
Perhaps since the Tom Brady era is over and today’s mobile QB’s can handle being chased out of the pocket which used to be a gold standard.
AGAIN…if the Bucs had a true stud at OLB…verdict still out on YaYa iMHO and a DW45 speed demon at ILB Todd’s way may have worked.
Lets see if Jason can give the D two defenders in the back as good as Bucky and JMac were for the offense. Then we’ll have a better idea of Todd’s 3-4 is OK.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
gofortheface30 and Armybucsfan. I agree with you guys. Find 2 more Vea’s and Kancy’s and 2 more LaVonte’s. Winfield and Mcollum stay healthy and Tykee looking great. Bowles is good with Defensive backs. I don’t see us spending more than one DB pick. Build more depth with a couple of UDFAs. We need to stress front seven man beasts.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
Do both, draft rushers and LB’s and also sign the best FAs the Bucs can afford. Can’t have too many guys that can put pressure on the QB.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:21 pm
There will be off ball LB’s availed in FA and I round 2-3. You don’t need to draft one at 19
February 10th, 2025 at 5:24 pm
They need to get an edge rusher in free agency or trade and use 19 on an ILB weather David retires or not.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
The Bucs have options in FA. Zack Baun is going to be available. Philly can’t franchise him because they will have to pay him the outside linebacker tag. Nick Bolton will be available. Jihaad Campbell is an option if the top pass rushers are gone and they don’t go DB. In the 2nd Schwesinger should be available. This draft sets up well for what the Bucs need. I’d prefer trading for Hendrickson then take best player available at 1.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Sweat is also available in FA. He looked pretty damn good in the SB.
February 10th, 2025 at 6:49 pm
Is Joe wanting an inside linebacker over an edge rusher in the first because that’s dramatic. Even Lavonte wasn’t a first round pick.
Joe doesn’t want anything until after seeing how the Bucs approach free agency. –Joe
February 10th, 2025 at 6:56 pm
FOUR REASON LVD PLAY 1 MORE SEASONS …
1. 2024 was the 2nd best season of his career
2. The Bucs are legit SB contenders in 2025
3. Winning the NFCS 5x (it means something to LVD after years of losing)
4. NFL RECORDS!!!!!
2024 Tackles: 122 TFL: 9
If he repeats 2024 in 2025, LVD will finish his career.
3rd in All Time Tackles: 1,233
4th in All Time TFL: 178
He’d be just above Derrick Brooks and Aaron Donald. You cannot deny that guy the HOF. He needs one more year.
February 10th, 2025 at 6:56 pm
Yeah! Maybe two of them!
February 10th, 2025 at 7:15 pm
KJ isn’t starting material at linebacker, so we’ll probably need to draft at least one LB and sign another. This draft is looking pretty defense-heavy, which could help, but hopefully we don’t have to overpay so there’s enough left to re-sign our own guys. I don’t see Godwin coming back either..
February 10th, 2025 at 7:23 pm
We hope they trade that pick for Garrett
February 10th, 2025 at 7:26 pm
I really hate to he that guy but it’s time for everyone to swallow their pride and reach out to devin white about signing a 1 year for 2 or 3 million dollar deal. He knows the defense and he spent all of last year getting humbled. Come back to a defense he knows for a 1 year bridge and go back to being a free agent.
February 10th, 2025 at 7:56 pm
FA or trade for Edge
Rounds 1-3 ILB & CB are necessities
February 10th, 2025 at 8:23 pm
If David retires, and K.J. Britt, a free agent, signs elsewhere, the Bucs then would have no starting inside linebackers returning.
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Well Dennis was basically the starter – before he got hurt yet again. He’s got the speed and ability to be good, but you can’t actually trust him to be healthy. But when him and David were on the field, the ILB’s actually looked fast and skilled, unlike when the piece of garbage Britt was on the field, who would miss tackles or get burned in coverage multiple times a game.
Speed, speed, speed, that should be the big thing.
Also stop being morons and resign Devin White. Unless there’s some sort of drug issues or something, get him back on the team and stop being a bunch of morons. Also, use him right, meaning blitzing right up the middle on nearly every play.
February 10th, 2025 at 8:23 pm
If we draft an ILB with our first pick I hope Licht is able to trade down and able to pick up a few extra top 100 picks…
February 10th, 2025 at 8:45 pm
And there you have it. He’s a nice if not good player when he’s on the field. Problem is, he’s never on the field because he’s always hurt.
Joe likes the guy but Joe cannot be a fraud. He can’t give SirVocea Dennis a pass on one hand and rag on Jamel Dean being brittle on the other hand.
February 10th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
As of 2022, NFL teams that regularly incorporate the 3–4 defensive alignment scheme as a base include the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver …
No Phllly which had been a 4-3 until Vic Fangio showed up. Confession. I did not watch the SB last night aside from a very few moments. Neither team excited me I do not root for either one.
I do know from Philly fishwraps that the Eagles were always a 4-3 until Chip Kelly came along with a 3-4 that blew up in his face! So the Eagles reverted to a 4-3 until Fangio. My point is they have personnel and the ability to run both.
So why did the Bucs beat them? Because at the end of the day “schemes” are great but blocking, tackling, running trump all of that! Philly simply has far more talent now than the Chiefs who appear to be finally feeling the after effects of winnnig so many SBs.
The NFL is built for very even competition. If you do not like that then become an MLB fan and watch LA buy pennant after pennant secure in the knowledge that no matter where they end up the Rays have NO chance!
February 10th, 2025 at 9:30 pm
I hope the bucs trade the first round pick for an edge rusher and get linebacker at 2 and 3.
Maybe draft a punter and a db.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:40 pm
SlyPirate
All great reasons!!!
February 10th, 2025 at 9:43 pm
Free agent or trade for the Edge rusher. First pick in draft should be an ILB or a CB or some really outstanding best available other.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:59 pm
I think Braswell should be much improved next year. I don’t think they have to go edge first round. Especially if Barrett comes back again.
February 10th, 2025 at 10:03 pm
KJ Britt can catch a flight to the South Pole. He is horrible. The secondary is disgustingly terrible. Kj Britt wasn’t here when he was playing.he couldn’t cover a table with a cloth.
February 10th, 2025 at 10:08 pm
Scott Says:
February 10th, 2025 at 9:59 pm
I think Braswell should be much improved next year. I don’t think they have to go edge first round. Especial
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Yeah if Bowles stops asking the edge guys to be cornerbacks he should develop. Look at the percentages of how many times our edge rushers dropped in coverage. Its insane. It doesn’t work anymore TODD!! Every team knows you do it 33 percent of the time. Stop it please. For the love of God. Stop it ✋️ ✋️ ✋️
February 10th, 2025 at 10:12 pm
Agreed JOE even if LVD doesn’t retired we gotta get a MLB earlier. Best one on the board or FA. I like SVD but he hasn’t stayed healthy. Most are wanting DB help and for great reason but most forget about Bryce hall. You bring him back you draft a CB later like Zyon pick up another in FA on the low and bring back Dean but cut his salary. I highly doubt our DBs get hit by the injury bug next season like we did this year.
February 10th, 2025 at 11:11 pm
But we haven’t drafted a good edge rusher in a decade, since Spence. We use second round picks on guys that our scouting department sees potential in but We’ve basically never drafted a stud guy. Btw Joe – we fought last draft season about Chop Robinson, guess who had 6 sacks 8 TFLs and 14 QB hits as a rookie? Anyway.. it’s not the lack of Development capabilities of Bowles, it’s the players. We need a grab a stud for once. Mike Green or Jalon Walker, if not them then Femi Oladejo is still better than anyone we’ve drafted in a decade (at the edge).
February 10th, 2025 at 11:17 pm
If you draft a pass rusher, or sign a pass rusher in free agency, it might be a solid idea to craft a scheme and call some plays wherein the pass rushers actually get coached up to rush the passer better, and then on game day, actually rush the passer.
I know it’s out there – but it’s this kind of out of the box thinking the defense needs.
February 10th, 2025 at 11:35 pm
You mean when scouting an edge rusher the Bucs shouldn’t worry about whether the guy can cover Chris Olave? Yeah, novel concept, ain’t it?
February 10th, 2025 at 11:52 pm
Joe! Hammer—>Nail—>Head
February 10th, 2025 at 11:57 pm
The timing is right to draft a successor and 19 is a good place to draft a fast ILB.
February 11th, 2025 at 12:00 am
Nice can get good value in #2 round CB
February 11th, 2025 at 12:44 am
They may draft an inside linebacker at 19 either way Joe. I would sure think hard on doing that. You failed to mention Dennis who has not proven to be “the guy” yet. So we need to think about possibly needing two ILBs.
I don’t think we have the coaches to get anyone up to speed rushing the passer.See Ya Ya, Hall, JTS, Gholston, Ramirez, Watts, Braswell. All have come up short Yes Hall and Gholston have been tried.
I don’t see OLB draft as very deep in cant miss guys either. I am not as high on Green as most seem to be. After him it looks a bit hit and miss. So ILB at 19 doesn’t seem so far fetched to me. Neither does corner BTW.
Go Bucs!
February 11th, 2025 at 2:43 am
St Pete … ‘The NFL is built for very even competition.’
Great point St Pete, and one that’s very easy to overlook. The salary CAP keeps all 32 teams from going hog-wild in terms of stacking the deck talent-wise LONG-TERM. Yes teams can ‘open SB windows’ for periods of time, but eventually they have to pay the piper. Ask New Orleans.
That puts a premium IMO on (1) developing a quality front office that can draft & stock the cupboard; and (2) creating quality coaching staffs that can develop young players & ‘coach’ winning football on game days. GM & Coaching staff STABILITY is critical in today’s NFL, but that has to be based on PERFORMANCE (ie, playing winning football). Teams like Baltimore, Pittsburgh & Kansas City all HAVE THAT STABILITY, and their records over the past 10 years reflect that. Teams like Cleveland & the NY Jets HAVEN’T HAD THAT STABILITY, and their records over the past 10 years also reflect that.
Bucs are still an evolving case IMO. Jason Licht has now been here for 10 years, and he’s brought STABILITY to our front office. We struggled for about half of his time here (2014-2018), but that was the growing phase (Lovie & Dirk). Once the coaching staffs improved (BA & Todd) starting in 2019, the STABILITY improved & winning has ensued … to include another Super Bowl.
I’m convinced that the Bucs now know what we want our TEAM to look like. We want a team that has enough starter-quality talent to compete every year in the playoffs. We want it to be tough & physical, especially in the trenches, but fast in the ‘back-end’. We want it to be relatively ‘balanced’ on both offense & defense (capable of ending up in the Top-10 offensively AND defensively). On offense that’ll mean that we can both run the ball AND pass the ball to run the clock, score points AND control the game. On defense that’ll mean we can stop the run as a priority AND defend the pass with reasonable effectiveness.
We’re not there … YET. Our offense is very close though. Our defense isn’t, and that’s required lots of ‘compromise’ on Todd’s part IMO. We’ve all seen him run all kinds of defensive packages, to the point where you can’t tell if it’s a 4-3, or a 3-4, or a 9-2 (hard to tell oftentimes if he’s just blitzing everyone). I didn’t like the results last season, and I think that was mostly because we had a pronounced lack of talent on the field at times, that Todd’s ‘compromises’ simply couldn’t compromise for.
Our NEEDS are actually quite obvious right now, and DEFENSE must be the focus in free agency AND the draft. Bring in the right pieces, and this team can compete for the Super Bowl IMO in 2025 AND 2026. Screw it up, and we could easily miss the playoffs both years.