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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wisely Lock Up Underrated Lavonte David

By Erik Lambert

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Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

If there was a championship belt in existent that goes to the most under-appreciated linebacker in all of football, then Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have held it longer than Hulk Hogan did in the 1980s.  While guys like Justin Houston and Luke Kuechly grab all the headlines, the quiet kid from Miami has put together three superb seasons.

Now he’s getting a well-deserved pay day.

In his three years David has compiled 429 tackles, six interceptions, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and a safety.  Don’t forget he’s had to do so while switching schemes from Greg Schiano to Lovie Smith in the process.  That is a testament to his skill and preparation.  How he has played in a Pro Bowl yet is mind boggling, but it was quiet clear that after Gerald McCoy, David was the one player the Bucs let get away.

The key moving forward in order for him to get his due is for Tampa Bay to start winning.  Hopes are high the arrival of Jameis Winston at quarterback will change those fortunes.  Regardless one can expect David to actually improve on what he accomplished in 2014 given it will be his second year in Smith’s system.  A great example to use for idea of expectations is Lance Briggs.

The seven-time Pro Bowler had a solid year in 2004 with 126 tackles, an interception and a half sack but didn’t really get noticed.  It was the next year in 2005 that he took off with 107 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble.  David may actually be more talented than Briggs was, so that should give Buccaneers fans plenty of excitement over what’s to come in 2015.

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