After being billed as the best linebacker in the NFL going into the 2021 season, it’s been a dismal start for Devin White. The Bucs third-year defender has noticeably struggled through the first three weeks of the season, especially in coverage. According to Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, White and running mate Lavonte David can be better.

“There’s no doubt,” Arians said when asked about Lavonte David and Devin White. “They can both play better. Devin, he likes playing against the run. Nobody is going to [run the ball on us] anymore, so he’s gotta get better at playing against the pass. Both those guys are capable of multiple-interception games. They can both play better.”

Bucs ILB Devin White – Photo by: USA Today

I know Arians is probably grouping the Bucs defensive captains together to soften the blow of his words on the younger linebacker, but they have been on opposite ends of the spectrum this season. David has continued to impress in coverage and been a top tackler on the team, while White has struggled in both areas. The LSU product leads the team with six missed tackles (per PFF) and has surrendered more passing yards than any other Buc.

Perhaps most troubling is how out of control White has been in coverage. Against Atlanta, the first rounder hesitated on jumping a potential pick-6 on a slant route, then accelerated, missed the receiver and took out David. A 30+ yard catch-and-run ensued. In Week 3, White was late to attempt to re-route DeSean Jackson coming across the middle of the field, and took Carlton Davis out instead. Jackson was wide open for a 40-yard gain as a result.

White struggled with similar mistakes last year, but his splash plays helped cover it up. In 2020, White piled up 15 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks and a forced fumble. In 2021, the former fifth overall pick is carrying a goose-egg in all three categories. If he’s going to return to the form he showed last postseason, White needs to pick up his play in the coming weeks.

The Bucs return to action on Sunday night, when they travel to New England to take on the Patriots.