Devin White Talks Adjusting To Dropping In Coverage
August 12th, 2019
The heralded rookie savior of the Buccaneers defense is in the midst of a learning curve.
How could he not be? This is the NFL and Devin White has been thrust into a defense that’s new for everyone around him except for fellow linebacker Deone Bucannon.
There are many moving parts and much to learn. White talked about adjusting to dropping in coverage during his recent sitdown with SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“I say that was like one of the toughest things because in college we played a lot of man, or like we was rushing the passer a lot,” White said. “But now it’s just, you gotta be on that point. You gotta be on that certain landmark. You gotta let the ball bring you down to the checkdowns. In certain defenses, you gotta know the sticks.”
White went on to say how great the Bucs tight ends are and how much they are preparing him to cover tight ends around the NFL.
If he screws up, White said, the defensive coordinator steps in.
“That’s a big emphasis, being in your spot. Because if you’re not, Coach Todd [Bowles], he’ll slow the play down, walk through it, and show you exactly where he needs you.”
Joe’s not worried about White, though Joe doesn’t expect him to be the instant superstar that Bucs officials are banking on him to be. Joe never wrote that White was a bad player, only a bad draft pick. Big difference.
White went on to talk about his endless notes and how much he embraces his responsibility to know the entire defense so he can coach everyone on his side of the ball, if necessary in games.
August 12th, 2019 at 11:25 pm
If the guy can help stuff the run on Day 1, he will be a superstar compared to prior seasons.
August 13th, 2019 at 12:00 am
Joe its good to see the self awareness. Its also fun to watch you rationalize your position.
We will see how it plays out. I for one am hoping you are as wrong about White as you were about manziel.
Based upon some of your player evaluations, you may find a full time job providing your opinion just so that others can do the opposite.
In BA I Trust!
August 13th, 2019 at 12:24 am
White is the Kamara and McCaffery antidote. Head ball coach knows a thing or two.
August 13th, 2019 at 1:15 am
We’ve all heard that White has been blitzing up the middle a ton in camp. We didn’t see that against Pittsburg, for good reason. We haven’t seen the best part of his game by a mile yet. When he gets his first sack we are all going to feel much better, and it’s coming. Probably week 1
August 13th, 2019 at 3:00 am
Many (or at least some that I found) said pre-draft that Devin had a lot to learn in his first couple of years in the NFL. Nearly all said that the sky really is the limit for this guy. They praised his natural talent, smarts and high character.
As long as he has a good work ethic and a bit of luck health-wise he will succeed
_____________
Go Bucs!!!
August 13th, 2019 at 4:22 am
Wow. Just WOW Joe. Devin White was a BAD draft pick?
Prior to the draft, Devin was heralded as one of best MLBs to come out of college in generations. Assuming that he stays healthy, that young man will be on the field for probably 100% of the defensive snaps this year. And not just on the field, but in the MIDDLE of our defense, calling plays, calling adjustments … and being in the MIDDLE OF THE ACTION on every down. And many of us fans have every expectation that he’ll make a ton of huge plays that’ll have a direct impact on our winning or losing.
A BAD draft pick? That’s embarrassing, but not on Devin White.
August 13th, 2019 at 4:43 am
I agree 5 was to high to pick him. Top for sure but not top 15. I think Devin Bush will be just as good and he went where 13? Oh well I just hope it all comes together. I believe in BA!!
August 13th, 2019 at 4:43 am
Top ten*
August 13th, 2019 at 7:02 am
A BAD draft pick?……..wow, that is taking things a bit too far.
How about simply…..a great pick but not the one you wanted.
Devin White was a consensus pick for us…..most expected us to pick him and had absolutely nothing negative to say about it.
August 13th, 2019 at 8:04 am
White was Interesting in college. He would make plays that would blow u away.
But he would also Wiff more then you would like too see.
I think he will be fine. I just think he will get better has he goes
August 13th, 2019 at 8:29 am
Once he learns not to over pursue like Kwon constantly did he will be an instant upgrade against the run. Better coaching than Kwon ever had should fix that
August 13th, 2019 at 8:43 am
“Joe never wrote that White was a bad player, only a bad draft pick. Big difference.”
Joe is right, The same could be said for Vita Vea. Vita was not an impact player at a position of dire need. Derwin James was.
The same could be said for OJ Howard. Good player, bad draft pick. They should have gone for an impact player like an edge rusher.
Josh Allen was the correct pick or to trade back for better equity and then select White or Bush.
Gump is playing checkers while other teams are playing 3D chess.
August 13th, 2019 at 8:45 am
SappAttack Says:
August 13th, 2019 at 1:15 am
We’ve all heard that White has been blitzing up the middle a ton in camp. We didn’t see that against Pittsburg, for good reason. We haven’t seen the best part of his game by a mile yet. When he gets his first sack we are all going to feel much better, and it’s coming. Probably week 1
^^^Que? He blitzed the middle like the 2nd play of the game against Pittsburgh. Do you guys even watch the games?
August 13th, 2019 at 9:33 am
Hey Ghost, you catch your boy Henderson’s herculean preseason debut? Phew what will we ever do without those 2.2 yards per carry huh?
August 13th, 2019 at 9:36 am
Practice! you’re talking practice, right??
Drafted: Round 3, No. 70 overall
GRADE: D
The offseason chatter regarding Todd Gurley’s knee made Henderson’s debut must-see TV around the league. The rookie’s premiere didn’t go according to the script, however, as Henderson finished the night with only 13 rushing yards on six carries. Although the offensive line is primarily responsible for Henderson’s putrid production, the Rams certainly expect more from their third-round pick, who led the team in rushing attempts but generated just 2.2 yards per try.
August 13th, 2019 at 9:39 am
If the Bucs were planning on taking White with their first pick then to me it doesn’t matter if it’s 5th or 15th.
But we need him to be great so hopefully he “gets it”.
Bush sure was all over the field. Though he played a lot more.
August 13th, 2019 at 10:19 am
I agree with Joe on White being a bad draft pick.
I’ve stated many times on here before the draft that White is very over-rated.
The Bucs will rue the day they drafted this guy so high.
August 13th, 2019 at 10:37 am
Off ball LBs that can cover RB = price went up crazy in 2019 if you weren’t paying attention.
CJ Mosely got paid like an top 10 DE or WR.
The Steelers traded 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks to get Devin Bush at 10. The Steelers typically don’t make big moves like that.
And the Bucs took White at 5.
This pick will be judged against Josh Allen & Ed Oliver. Who is the best player of the 3 3-5 years from now and who had the biggest impact on their team / who is worth the most.
Same with Vea vs James/Payne/Davenport. If Vea becomes the best DT of the group and a multi probowler, he will be worth more than James even if James is the best S in the league, because elite DTs are worth way more than elite S if you just look at the contracts.
August 13th, 2019 at 5:03 pm
“a bad draft pick”
Awesome Joe – way to double down…
Just gives more fodder for ribbing when White is all over the field leading this defense to respectability while Josh Allen racks up a whopping 4 or 5 sacks a year (same as White probably) as a situational “speed” rusher coming off the edge.
Its 5 years later and Joe is still taking justifiable heat for being all in on Johnny Drunk.
Saying White was “a bad draft pick” just because a Joe preferred drafting a pass rusher at that spot – is likely making the other Joe a bit uncomfortable – knowing that Joe is as likely as not to have to take flack on that stance for the next dozen years or so….