The SEC’s leading tackler is heading to the NFL Draft. How does Devin White stack up as he prepares to move to the next level?
Devin White was one of the stars of the SEC over the past three seasons and it is no surprise that he decided to enter the draft such a strong showing. His freshman year he played in eight games as a reserve, finishing with 30 total tackles on the season. He had a few strong moments, but no one expected what would come next- a sophomore season to remember.
It was his sophomore season that really took him from everyday linebacker to star defender. He finished that season 133 total tackles and an interception. He nearly replicated exactly that in his junior season, finishing with 123 total tackles and two fumble recoveries. Overall though, the past two seasons have been something incredible for Devin White and has catapulted him into the first round conversation.
Strengths
Devin White was the SEC leader in total tackles and was the fastest linebacker at the NFL Combine. He is an excellent run defender and a physical, hard hitter that has shown himself to be one of the better tacklers in this draft. He can drop into zone coverage or cover tight ends and running backs and is a great pass-minded linebacker. He always seems to be around the ball and has elite closing speed that has pushed him into that top 10 pick conversation.
Weaknesses
Devin White has good, maybe even great speed. However, it isn’t elite or rare by any means. His instincts are also very average. He doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses or red flags, it is simply that some of what he does is just average- it isn’t anything super special.
Draft Expectations
LSU’s Devin White is everything a team could want in a linebacker. He has speed and instincts that will help him make that transition from college football to the NFL. The guy that went from being a backup in 2016 to the darling of the defense so to speak the next two seasons has earned himself a ton and I mean a ton of money in his college career and it will finally make it’s way to his pocket come Draft Day.