For a brief time, it seemed as though the 2019 NFL season would be a nightmare rookie campaign for Bucs linebacker Devin White. The fifth pick in last April’s NFL draft had the perhaps the roughest start to his career you could imagine (minus a season-ending injury, of course). In the week leading up to Week 1’s opener against the San Francisco 49ers, White dealt with tonsillitis, losing up to 10 pounds. Then, in Week 2, he suffered a knee sprain that sidelined him for several games and saw his odds of winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award drop.
But, since returning to the field, White has been one of the most dominant defenders in the league, and not just among rookies. He capped off his stellar finish to the 2019 season by returning a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown in Week 17’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It was the longest fumble return touchdown in franchise history.
Now, White can add another big achievement to his ever-growing resume as he’s just been named Defensive Rookie of the Month for December.
Devin White has been named @NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for December. đź’Ş
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 2, 2020
White was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, as well, so it’s an impressive way for the former LSU star to finish the season.
The Buccaneers defense finished 15th in the league this year, a far cry from 2018 when they were ranked 27th. The team holds the No. 14 pick in April’s draft, and, if CBS Sports is right, White could soon be joined by his former LSU teammate.
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