NFL Draft 2019: 7-Round Mock Draft projections for every team

Bruce Arians has his work cut out for him in Tampa Bay. His biggest immediate job will be to revitalize a defense that finished last in DVOA in 2018. There needs to be a complete culture change on that side of the ball.

That makes me lean toward them taking LSU linebacker Devin White with the fifth overall pick. Not only is White the draft’s best linebacker, but his leadership and the boost he would provide to the Tampa locker room makes him an ideal fit.

The Bucs need an athletic linebacker in the middle to replace Kwon Alexander, who the team let walk in free agency. White is the total package at linebacker. He’s not the traditional big-bodied run-thumper, but he’s the evolution of the position. He’s strong enough to hold up well in run support, while also being quick enough to drop back into coverage or rush the passer off the edge in certain situations.

White ran a 4.41 40-yard-dash at the combine, which clinched his spot as the draft’s top player at his position. I think Arians would have a tough time passing on White at No. 5.

If he does, it would likely be to either move back or to grab Florida State edge rusher Brian Burns. I imagine adding a signal-caller in the middle, a player who could completely flip the switch for an entire defensive unit, outweighs any other ancillary concerns.