LaVonte David Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Live Draft Grade

Nov 5, 2011; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers player Lavonte David (4) during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium. Northwestern won 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made another trade up to get a player they coveted when they moved up to get LaVonte David. David is a terrific athlete with great instincts. David’s big problem is he’s not a great tackler and he’ll have to get stronger in the N.F.L. He’s often compared to Derrick Brooks, so it’s perhaps not odd that he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LaVonte David was a Mel Kiper Jr. Top 25 pick. The Buccaneers seem to have a philosophy developing here where they take football players first athletes second.

Live draft grade: B/B+

I’m not enamored with the pick, but it’s good value. The way the league is evolving getting guys who can cover like David can is no longer a luxury, but an absolute necessity. They had to move up to get him though. He does fill a position of need. Good pick, not great pick.

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