PewterReport.com analyzes the top players in the 2019 NFL Draft with its position previews. Taylor Jenkins previews the inside linebacker position with a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need from the middle linebacker position, a detailed list of this year’s top inside linebackers, and Scott Reynolds offers up the annual PewterReport.com Bucs’ Best Bets – one early round pick, and a pick from the later rounds.
What The Bucs Have At Inside Linebacker
The Bucs are in a transitional period, both from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4, as well as at the inside linebacker position. With an ankle injury to Kendell Beckwith that has become increasingly concerning about his NFL future to the loss of Kwon Alexander when he signed his astronomical contract with San Francisco ($54 million over four years), the Bucs have been left shallow at the position.
Bucs ILB Kevin Minter – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Lavonte David will slide inside and be one of the team’s primary inside linebackers playing the MO linebacker spot on the weakside, while Deone Bucannon will likely be the team’s other inside linebacker called the MONEYBACKER when they roll out their nickel defense, or if a particular match-up calls for it. Kevin Minter is currently in line to start opposite David at MIKE in Todd Bowles’ base 3-4 defense, while Riley Bullough and Jack Cichy, who is still recovering from a torn ACL last October, sit behind them on the depth chart, but expect that to change.
What The Bucs Need At Inside Linebacker
The Bucs are going to need to add at least one more middle linebacker before the season rolls around, likely through the draft. As PewterReport.com has reported numerous times, that spot could very well be filled by LSU inside linebacker Devin White at pick No. 5, or Michigan inside linebacker Devin Bush if they choose to trade back. If someone unexpected, say Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen or Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, drops to the Bucs at No. 5 then their hand may be forced, but regardless whether it is in the first round or later, expect Tampa Bay to add an interior linebacker from this draft.
This year’s PewterReport.com’s 2019 Draft Previews + Bucs’ Best Bets and Draft Videocast are presented by Edmonson Electric & Security – the official smart home and security company of PewterReport.com.
Watch Pewter Reporters Scott Reynolds, Mark Cook, Taylor Jenkins and Matt Matera, as well as other special guests, live on-air via PewterReport.com from the team’s headquarters at One Buccaneer Place beginning on Day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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