2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

A strong combine performance solidified Devin White’s standing as the draft’s top inside linebacker. He’s coveted by many teams, but I believe it would take a trade-up ahead of Tampa Bay for any team to grab White. If he’s there at No. 5, he’s likely to be the pick, barring something strange happening in the four picks ahead and a player like Quinnen Williams being available here.

Tampa Bay’s willingness to let Kwon Alexander walk in free agency points toward them spending an early pick on a rangy, athletic middle linebacker, and White is one of the best prospects at the position to come out in years.

He’s the perfect fit to combat the spread revolution of the NFL; he’s undersized compared to the traditional middle linebackers of yesteryear, but he’s strong enough and physical enough to still be that thumper in the middle that dissuades receivers from wanting to come across the middle. He’s a strong run-stopper, consistently shooting the gaps to make plays in the backfield. He holds up well in coverage, too, when matched up with a back or a tight end. White is quick enough off the edge (he ran a 4.41 40 at the combine) to also potentially factor in as a third-down edge rusher in certain situations.

Bruce Arians has his work cut out for him in Tampa Bay, and one of his biggest immediate concerns will be to transform the league’s worst defense according to DVOA in 2018. There needs to be a complete culture change on that side of the ball, and White is the kind of piece that you can build your entire unit around.

He’s an excellent leader and locker-room guy as well, a couple of invaluable traits that make him a can’t miss prospect when you team it with his on-field acumen.