50 Facts About Devin White

Early Career and Draft

Devin White's journey to the NFL began with a stellar college career and a high draft pick. Here are some key facts about his early career and draft experience.

1. Draft Position: Devin White was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2. College Career: White played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he was a standout linebacker. He led the SEC in tackles as a sophomore with 133.

Rookie Season

White's rookie season set the stage for his NFL career. His performance was notable for several key statistics and moments.

3. Rookie Season: In his rookie year (2019), White played 13 games, recording 2.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns.
4. Pass Defense: He also had 3 passes defended and allowed 348 yards with a 75% completion rate.

Breakout Year: 2020 Season

The 2020 season was a breakout year for White, showcasing his abilities on a larger stage.

5. 2020 Season: White played 15 games, recording 9 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 15 tackles for loss, and 140 tackles.
6. Pass Defense Improvement: He also had 4 passes defended and allowed 626 yards with an 83.3% completion rate.
7. Tackle Leader: Through 15 games in 2020, Devin White recorded the third-most tackles in the league with 130.
8. Sack Leader: In the 2020 season, White's eight sacks were the most for any inside linebacker in the league.
9. All-Pro Nod: His impressive performance in 2020 earned him an All-Pro nod, highlighting his significant contributions to the Buccaneers' defense.

Role Changes and Criticism

Despite his success, White faced role changes and criticism that impacted his performance and perception.

10. Role Changes: White's roles have changed somewhat year-to-year, which has impacted his opportunities to make splash plays.
11. Impact Plays: Despite his impressive tackling numbers, White has been criticized for not consistently contributing impact plays. He has only three career interceptions and averages four pass breakups per season.
12. Pass Coverage: While his pass coverage has improved somewhat over the years, it is not enough to justify a high contract. He ended up playing in 2023 on his fifth-year option for $11 million.

Athleticism and Performance

White's athleticism has been a key part of his game, but it has also led to some criticisms.

13. Athleticism: At 26, White still has time left on his clock to be a productive player before his athleticism is gone. His best football might be in front of him.
14. Tackle Numbers: Despite gaudy tackling numbers from 2019-2022, White has been far from a reliable gap-filler. He relies on his speed to make empty tackles, which has been a point of criticism.
15. Career Tackles: As of the latest season, White has recorded a career-low 83 tackles in 14 games played.

Blitzing and Quarterback Pressure

White's ability to blitz and pressure quarterbacks has been a significant part of his game.

16. Blitzing Frequency: In his rookie year, White blitzed 75 times. This frequency decreased to 65 times in 2022 but increased to 91 times in 2020.
17. QB Hits: White has consistently recorded high numbers of quarterback hits throughout his career. In 2020, he had 16 QB hits, and in 2022, he had 16 as well.
18. Tackles for Loss: White has been one of the top tacklers for loss in the league. In 2020, he recorded 15 TFLs, and in 2022, he had 8.

Fumbles and Interceptions

White has also made key plays in terms of fumbles and interceptions.

19. Fumble Recoveries: White has been successful in recovering fumbles, with a total of 4 fumble recoveries in his rookie season and 3 in subsequent years.
20. Forced Fumbles: He has also been effective in forcing fumbles, with a total of 3 forced fumbles in his rookie season and 2 in subsequent years.
21. Interceptions: Despite his defensive prowess, White has only managed three interceptions in his career.
22. Pass Breakups: He averages four pass breakups per season, which is a respectable but not outstanding number for a linebacker.

Sacks and Defensive Rankings

White's sack numbers and the overall performance of the Buccaneers' defense have been notable.

23. Sacks: White has struggled to record high sack numbers, with only three seasons having 3.5 or fewer sacks. His highest sack total was nine in the 2020 season.
24. Defensive Rankings: The Buccaneers' defense, which White is a part of, has been ranked highly in the NFL. In 2022, they were the 7th-ranked defense despite White's inconsistent play.

Fan Criticism and Leadership

White has faced criticism from fans but has also shown leadership qualities.

25. Fan Criticism: Despite his statistical contributions, White has faced significant criticism from fans and analysts. Some have questioned whether he wants to be on the field and have accused him of being complacent or undisciplined.
26. Complacency Concerns: White's comment about the team getting "bored" has been misinterpreted by some fans. He was actually highlighting the need for the team to stay aggressive and focused throughout games.
27. Leadership Role: White has been a team captain for the Buccaneers, demonstrating his leadership abilities on and off the field.

Contract and Free Agency

White's contract situation and free agency status have been points of discussion.

28. Comparison to Kwon Alexander: Some fans have compared White to Kwon Alexander, a former Buccaneers linebacker who faced similar criticism. This comparison has been seen as unfair by many fans who believe White is a more productive player.
29. Low-Ball Offer: The Buccaneers reportedly offered White a low-ball contract, which he declined. This move has been seen as a sign that the team is done with him.
30. Free Agent Status: As of the latest season, White is a free agent, having played his final snap for the Buccaneers. He is expected to sign with another team but faces significant risks due to his inconsistent play.

Risk Assessment and Future Prospects

White's future in the NFL remains uncertain, with both risks and potential.

31. Risk Assessment: Ian Valentino, an NFL scout, has warned teams about White's tackle numbers being bloated. He suggests that White relies on his speed rather than being a reliable gap-filler.
32. Athletic Decline: At 26, White still has time to improve, but his athleticism is not guaranteed to last. His best football might be in front of him, but it is uncertain whether he can maintain his current level of performance.
33. Impact Plays: Despite his defensive prowess, White has been criticized for not consistently contributing impact plays. This lack of impact has led to him being benched or scratched from games.
34. Role Changes Impact: The changes in his role have impacted his opportunities to make splash plays. This has been noted by analysts and fans alike, suggesting that White's performance is not solely due to his individual abilities but also the team's strategy.
35. Pass Coverage Improvement: While his pass coverage has improved somewhat over the years, it is not enough to justify a high contract. He ended up playing in 2023 on his fifth-year option for $11 million.

Contract Value and Fan Perception

White's contract value and how fans perceive him have been topics of debate.

36. Contract Value: Despite his impressive tackling numbers, White's contract value has been questioned. His current contract is significantly lower than what some fans believe he deserves based on his performance.
37. Fan Perception: The fan perception of White has been mixed. Some fans see him as an underappreciated player who consistently makes tackles, while others view him as overhyped and not contributing enough to the team's success.

Statistical Dominance and Defensive Strategy

White's statistical dominance and role in the Buccaneers' defensive strategy are noteworthy.

38. Statistical Dominance: Statistically, White is one of the most productive players on a defense that is in the upper echelon of the NFL. He leads the team in assisted tackles, solo tackles, tackles for loss, and QB hits.
39. Defensive Rankings: Despite White's inconsistent play, the Buccaneers' defense has been ranked highly in the NFL. In 2022, they were the 7th-ranked defense, indicating that White's contributions are part of a larger team effort.
40. Leadership Role: As a team captain, White has demonstrated leadership abilities on and off the field. His role as a leader has been crucial in maintaining team morale and discipline.

Criticism and Comparisons

White has faced criticism and comparisons to other players, impacting his reputation.

41. Fan Criticism Deflection: The criticism aimed at White has been seen as deflection by some fans. They argue that the focus on White's performance is an attempt to distract from the team's overall performance and other players' contributions.
42. Personal Attacks: White has faced personal attacks from fans and analysts. This criticism has been unfair and undeserved, according to many fans who believe he is still one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
43. Role in the Team: White's role in the team has evolved over the years. He has been asked to perform different tasks, which has impacted his overall productivity and impact on the game.
44. Athleticism Comparison: Comparisons to legendary linebackers like Patrick Willis or Ray Lewis have been made, but these comparisons are often unwarranted. White's athleticism and playstyle are unique and should be evaluated separately.
45. Jeffrey Simmons Comparison: Some analysts have compared White to Jeffrey Simmons, another promising linebacker. While Simmons is considered a top prospect, White's experience and production make him a valuable asset to any team.

Impact and Future

White's impact on the field and his future prospects remain significant topics.

46. Impact on the Team: Despite his inconsistent play, White's presence on the field has a significant impact on the team. His ability to make tackles and pressure quarterbacks is crucial to the team's defensive strategy.
47. Fanbase Perception: The Buccaneers' fanbase has a complex perception of White. Some fans appreciate his contributions, while others criticize him for not being more productive. This mixed perception reflects the broader debate about his role in the team.
48. Leadership Qualities: White's leadership qualities are evident in his ability to motivate teammates and maintain team discipline. His role as a team captain is crucial in maintaining a cohesive unit.
49. Defensive Strategy: The Buccaneers' defensive strategy often relies on White's ability to make tackles and pressure quarterbacks. His presence on the field is essential to the team's overall defensive performance.
50. Injury Concerns: White has faced injury concerns throughout his career. An ankle injury in the 2023 season kept him out of several games, further impacting his productivity and availability.

Devin White's Impact and Future

Devin White's journey in the NFL has been a rollercoaster. Drafted fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he quickly made a name for himself with standout performances. His 2020 season was a breakout year, showcasing his ability to lead in tackles and sacks. Despite his impressive stats, White has faced criticism for inconsistent play and pass coverage. His leadership as a team captain and his role in the Buccaneers' defense can't be overlooked. Recently released by the Philadelphia Eagles, White's future in the NFL remains uncertain. At 26, he still has potential to improve and make significant contributions to any team willing to take a chance on him. Whether he can maintain his athleticism and become a consistent impact player is a question only time will answer. Devin White's career is a testament to both his talent and the challenges of professional football.