Potentially Dire Inside Linebackers Unit
February 15th, 2025
Inside linebacker holes.
Yes, Joe knows there is no bigger need for the Bucs (if they are serious about making a Super Bowl run) than edge rusher. Sadly, that’s just one (albeit critical) position.
The Bucs may have to address an entire position group on defense.
If Bucs icon Lavonte David retires, money that could be allotted to an edge rusher might instead have to be funneled to inside linebacker. Because if David retires, the Bucs will have no starters at the position.
K.J. Britt, who has the heart of a lion, is also a free agent. Too bad the Bucs cannot transfer his heart into an speedy Adonis of a body. He’s just not cut out to be a starting NFL inside linebacker.
And no, as much as Joe likes SirVocea Dennis and is impressed with his play when he’s on the field, that’s exactly why Joe doesn’t trust him. He cannot stay healthy. Until he proves he can be on the field for 13+ games, the Bucs have to look elsewhere.
Luring an experienced inside linebacker could be expensive. Sure, if David retires some (most?) if his $8,500,000 salary could go to another starting linebacker.
But that would be just one.
Walter Cherepinsky, the man behind WalterFootball.com, believes the Bucs’ edge rush is downright sorry and their inside linebacker need is dire. He believes the Bucs would be smart to sign/draft two starters at inside linebacker.
Two linebackers: The Buccaneers couldn’t cover the middle of the field last year. They’ll have nothing at linebacker if Lavonte David leaves via free agency. A linebacker will still be needed if David re-signs.
A second linebacker could be used as a rotational guy and/or groomed to replace David?
Cherepinsky isn’t wrong. There’s no way a team can win with crap inside linebackers.
So some Team Glazer loot that would otherwise be used to bring in a guy who can consistently breathe on a quarterback may have to go to inside linebackers. Thus, the Bucs may be stuck looking for a has-been or never-been to rush the passer. In other words, a waste of time, effort and Team Glazer loot.
February 15th, 2025 at 12:06 am
…and then factor in, LVD is the only one of the LB corps who actually knows what everyone is supposed to do and even then they bust. Imagine the carnage…..unless there is a scheme change which of course, there won’t be
February 15th, 2025 at 12:22 am
Tristan Wirfs said on the Pivot podcast that Hainsey knows he won’t be back with the Bucs.
February 15th, 2025 at 1:04 am
Shame. Hainsey showed promise at linebacker.
February 15th, 2025 at 1:58 am
too many needs on defense bucs might have to let godwin walk
February 15th, 2025 at 2:01 am
Hainsey could get a decent contract offer from the Bucs, but someone will offer him more to be in the mix for a starting center. Probably gone, but ya never know.
February 15th, 2025 at 3:43 am
Joe(s), you bring a lot of good stuff, and it is appreciated.
So, since “… Joe knows that there is no bigger need for the Bucs (if they are serious about making a Super Bowl run) than edge rusher”, please help me to understand a few things.
Kancey, the Bucs’ sack leader, missed the first 5 games of the season. So, where was this tremendous need for an edge rusher:
– week 1, Washington – 20 points (8th scoring offense 28.8 ppg.)?
– week 2, Detroit – 16 points without Winfield (!st scoring offense 33.2 ppg.)?
– week 4, Philadephia – 16 points (5th scoring offense, 29.0 ppg.)?
Even in week 3, with Vea out and Kancey out and Winfield out, there was certainly a need for another attacking defensive lineman. Denver (10th scoring offense, 24 ppg.) scored 26 points against the Bucs, but the critical weakness was not DL or edge, it was the ILB’s not named David.
On the opening drive , 3rd and goal, Bo Nix rolled out right following a receiver and looking to throw into the right end of the end zone. When the DB followed the receiver, Bo Nix headed for the end zone beating Sirvocea Dennis in a footrace with an even start at the hash marks. An average ILB would have stopped that score. But, lets not take those points away because Denver may have scored on fourth down.
Later in the first quarter, Denver intercepted in the Bucs red zone. On fourth and goal, Denver pitched out right to the running back, and Nelson took a great angle. He forced the running back to stop and dance inside giving Britt time to come over. The running broke back outside and should have been sandwiched between Britt and Nelson, but Britt took a bad angle and the running back handily beat Britt to the goal line. It was fourth down. Average play by the line backer would have stopped that score leaving Denver with 19 points.
The Bucs played four of the top 10 scoring offense in the league in the first four games. The only team to score more than 20 points against the was Denver with Vea out and Kancey out and Winfield out. And, with even average ILB play, Denver would still have been held to under 20 points. Denver score four filed goals, but no more touchdowns.
There is one more thing that I wish Joe would explore. When Brady faced pass rushers, he beat them with quick throws inside and outside. All season the Bucs bled yards on passes across the middle. Brady demonstrated that you can beat pressure if you can beat the short coverage, specially across the middle. Other than drafting a couple of great ILB’s, how are the Bucs going give any pass rusher time to get home?
Isn’t it the right thing for the Bucs to draft ILB Jihaad Campbell in the first round (4.52 40, 6’3″, 244#) and a long fast coverage linebacker like Mondon or Simon or Barton in the 3rd or 4th rounds?
Wouldn’t that with an attacking DE or edge rusher in the second round, and a fast tall DB in the 3rd or 4th round give the Bucs a defense that should make a real run in the playoffs while giving the Bucs inexpensive rookie talent for four or five years and leaving some money to throw at whatever affordable free agent they can get the most value from?
February 15th, 2025 at 4:05 am
Joe … ‘However, he (Cherepinsky) notes, inside linebacker may be a dire need. In fact, he believes the Bucs would be smart to sign/draft two starters at inside linebacker.’
Finally someone understands the significance of having a strong middle of the defense. Bucs NEED 2 starter-quality ILBs NOW; we can’t wait until 2026. And along with that, we need to keep Dennis AND re-sign both Britt & Russell (both UFAs) in addition to LVD (IF he’s willing to play 1 more year).
Personally in favor of signing a free agent to be one, and drafting one … high (Rnd 1 or Rnd 2). Problem is that there’s no ILBs who truly excite me right now, either as UFAs or in the draft.
Lead UFA candidate in my mind seems to be Cody Barton (Denver 6’2″ & 237 lbs). He’s only 28 & has shown himself to be quite durable (95 games in 6 years … 16 games/year average). He’s gotten 5 INTs in the past 3 years, and was a major blitzer last season (65 blitzes). Last 3 years he’s spent with 3 different teams (Seattle, Washington & Denver) but has gotten a LOT of field time (average of 930 def snaps/year). His 3.8% career Missed Tackle rate is impressive. His Market Value BTW is shown as $6.6 mil.
No candidates in the 2025 draft truly excite me, certainly not as Rnd 1 picks. Not a big deal though, because our Rnd 1 pick should be a CB. In Rnd 2 would be looking at 2 possibilities:
1 – Jihaad Campbell (Alabama); Height: 6-3. Weight: 244; Projected 40 Time: 4.55; Projected Round (2025): 1-2.
2 – Deonte Lawson (Alabama); Height: 6-2. Weight: 239; Projected 40 Time: 4.55; Projected Round (2025): 2-3.
The other ILBs in the draft are just too danged slow for a Todd Bowles defense. The other action the Bucs MIGHT consider is re-signing Devin White on a heavily incentive-laden contract. The young man’s got undeniable talent IMO BUT couldn’t seem to satisfy Todd Bowles’ desire to have him play within the system. MIGHT be worth a relook though.
February 15th, 2025 at 5:28 am
Yup
What DR said. I kind of like the ILB from Georgia Mondon as well.
Thats what I’ve been saying. To include doubts about Dennis and for me not just his health. Has not played enough for me to have confidence in his play.
Get Busy Mr Licht.
Go Bucs!
February 15th, 2025 at 5:41 am
I don’t see how the Bucs will be able to afford Godwin, if they have to rebuild the defense this year with quality free agents? 2 ILB, 2 edge, and possibly a CB or two in free agency.
February 15th, 2025 at 6:09 am
There’s no surprise here. All three levels of defense need to be addressed. Garro brought up Mondon. Bit faster than the Bama brothers but has a slighter frame. I like all three.
February 15th, 2025 at 7:53 am
Toopanca and D.R.
Thanks for some insightful thought provoking posts and ideas.
I think it was all Todd’s fault!
February 15th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Building from the front back is old school football thinking. Nothing wrong with that, but never forget the legion of boom, for example, was built from the back forwards. A solid secondary instantly improves your D-line, sacks and pressure numbers.
February 15th, 2025 at 9:08 am
I hate to say this but the reality is – even if LVD comes back he is no longer a top ten ILB… He is no longer a top 20 ILB… He was barely a top 30 ILB last season.
I love LVD but it’s probably time for him to retire.
If he comes back I would like to see him in a more “rotational role” playing @ 30-40 snaps per game rather than playing 100%…
I know I will receive some hate for this take but “oh well” – it’s the truth folks.
February 15th, 2025 at 9:10 am
Could Devin White resurrect his career here?
February 15th, 2025 at 9:41 am
Teams have needs that can’t be filled every year. Kansas City has a great defense but their offense sucked. You need a competent head coach to see through your weaknesses not punt the ball to them in critical times of a game. Cap space is for players yes but it isn’t meant to cover up HC/coaching staff incompetence. Safety, inside outside linebacker, corner, receiver depth and depth in the trenches. Dennis will be fine, didn’t gmc do on injured reserve in his first two seasons.
February 15th, 2025 at 9:46 am
I’ve been saying this since the middle of last season. At minimum we need
1 OLB / edge and 2 ILBs
Even if Lavonte stays.
February 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am
The Bowles defense scheme is the problem. Not the players. Everything he does is ‘average’. A natural born sideline stiff.
February 15th, 2025 at 10:36 am
You guys talking about Godwins money… he’s getting paid nearly 20 million this season if he’s on the team or not.
Godwin not resigning can save us money in 2026 and 2027 but resigning him probably helps our cap this season.
February 15th, 2025 at 10:39 am
Geez Louise
The posters here who think Diva White and/or Jaymiss could do anything at all for this team. SMDH.
Willful ignorance is a thing.
February 15th, 2025 at 11:19 am
The performance data are obvious and show a steady decline in defensive performance (especially against the pass) since Todd took both jobs. Situational football, late game performance and clock management are abysmal. This isn’t hyperbole.
Bucs blew 6 winnable games because of multiple blunders in the categories above. Sloppiness. Bucs beating Bucs. That is a reflection of how the team practices and then how the game is called against what the team can execute flawlessly. Coaching.
This team should have been 12-5 minimum, if you only blow 4 out of 6 instead of all 6. Factor in the giveaway at home against Washington and the picture is clear.
But the verbose minority who type 7390 word scribes because they love their narrative will continue to ramp up the word assault on the truth. Fortunately Jason runs the team and Joe runs this website.
February 15th, 2025 at 11:41 am
Cody Barton, Jamien Sherwood, EJ Speed, probably a bunch more reasonable dudes will be around – question is will Todd play them or do they have to wait a yr till they’re “ready”? Ramirez has been working over an All pro for 2 years in practice and still can’t see the field
February 15th, 2025 at 11:53 am
If Godwin walks we instantly get hit with his deferred $18.8 million cap. Absolutely HAVE to re-sign him in order to defer that. We STILL owe $28 million next year on the final years of Jensen/Shaq’s deferments
February 15th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
D.R.
“Bucs NEED 2 starter-quality ILBs NOW;”
Amen! I wonder if Jihad and Lawson arrived as a matched set. Might be the first time an NFL team drafted two players from one team at the same position.
JMark
“The posters here who think Diva White and/or Jaymiss could do anything at all for this team. SMDH.”
Agree with your observation. Having said that however I’m not sure it’s willful “ignorance” as much as “dreaming what COULD be”. There’s that word could again.
I can imagine a scenario where DW45 finally past the loss of his father, switches agents and gets a good one, is truly reenergized and embarrassed by the way his career is ending…again not saying will but “could”. He has the talent and is still young.
Same for Fameis. If he swallowed his ego and didn’t choke to death on it, realizing his future as a clown is off the field where he’s demonstrated some talent in that area during SB week and decides he’d still like to collect a paycheck..he DOES have the physical skill set.
He MIGHT be the perfect backup to Baker. IF’s being could his ego handle it and would he accept a reasonable salary. He has the same skill set as Baker.
JW has a rocket arm, but he’s plagued by poor decisions. That’s what Baker struggled with in the early part of his career and still makes the questionable throw on occassion. And JW is a sneaky good runner like Baker. JW is a slow player but he is slippery and elusive and IMHO he never really got the credit for his ability to escape. And nobody has ever questione JW’s courage!
Agree though JMark your point is the rational one but some of us still like to dream. After all it is the silly season.
February 15th, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Lawson went back to Bama instead of declaring for draft but Campbell is interesting – Jameis is ready for a media gig and D White is just a tragic outcome
I was soured on him in the pre draft process when he said he wanted to be the first $100m LB – but dude was an absolute maniac in 2020 so at least he won a SB before things went south
February 15th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
@ DR
I trust our GM and I trust the Eagles GM – I believe they have more knowledge and insight than anyone else (even the Joes)…
Both the Bucs and the Eagles had D. White on their roster then let him go.
You have to ask yourself – Why would both highly qualified GMs do that?
February 15th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
@ St. Pete
“JW has a rocket arm, but he’s plagued by poor decisions.”
I agree.
Winston has the arm but not the brains… Check yo sheetz!
LOL!
February 15th, 2025 at 3:32 pm
Zzzzzzzzz……..
February 15th, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Ive said here before JL has neglected the LB position for years. That a position for rounds 2 through 4. Also, LBs jump around a lot in FA.
February 16th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Easily fixed in FA. Bucs need to focus on sacking the QB with 4 d linemen.
February 16th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Defense rules – I also would love to have Deontae Lawson – he was the play caller at Alabama beside Jihaad Campbell because Campbell was moved around to edge, etc. But, if I am not mistaken, Lawson decided to play another year at Alabama.