Everyone knows that when it comes to the NFL draft, nothing is a sure thing. Even though a player gets drafted first overall, you never know if you’re getting a Andrew Luck or JaMarcus Russell.
But for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who held the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft, there’s no question that they hit a home run with their first round selection of linebacker Devin White out of LSU.
White was seen by many experts as the best linebacker in his class, and in her preseason prediction for the Buccaneers, Jenna Laine of ESPN predicted White would win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Per Laine:
“If it weren’t for White’s health, there’s a good chance this could have happened. Instead, he started the season playing through tonsillitis and then suffered a sprained MCL in Week 2. In the final six games, he registered two sacks, four fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, one interception and two defensive touchdowns. He was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for November and December.”
Several other experts predicted White would take home the coveted rookie honor, but after his knee sprain in Week 2 he saw his odds of winning the award drop. Despite a strong finish, it may not be enough to get him over the top.
Still, Bucs fans have to be excited to see what White does in his sophomore season and beyond.
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