“It Felt Different Here”
May 3rd, 2019
Devin White responds to the doubters
Interesting insight from the anointed savior of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, No. 5 overall pick Devin White.
Inside the cozy confines of One Buc Palace, White sat down with the Salty Dogs, Jeff Ryan and Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com.
White was asked about his pre-draft visit to Tampa. Obviously, White visited lots of team.
“It felt different here,” White said of meeting Bucs officials. The contrast was simple: other teams were all about testing White’s football knowledge while the Bucs were all about getting to know him as a person.
Perhaps that’s the Bucco Bruce Arians way, but maybe it’s also reflective of how much the Bucs were set on him early in the draft process.
As for the those who are annoyed the Bucs drafted an inside linebacker historically early, White knows you’re out there. And he’s got an answer.
“I hear that a lot,” White replied. “I always ask people, ‘How many times have you seen a player like Devin White?’ It don’t come around that often. So, you know, a linebacker going this high might not happen again in 10 years, 20 years. But who knows. It really don’t matter. But I’ll just say for the people who didn’t agree with the pick, in the long run, you will say, man, he was worth the pick.”
White also added that he is a heck of pass rusher on the blitz and fans will love what he can do. Also, White said Jason Pierre-Paul is a pass rushing beast, so he’s not sure why some fans were screaming for a defensive lineman with the No. 5 pick.
Overall, White showcased his big-league charisma, confidence and the genuine feel that seems to just ooze out of him.
Derrick Brooks is excited about Devin White! TAMPA TWO is back featuring Brooks and Ira Kaufman, the Sage of Tampa Bay sports, presented by Caldeco Air Conditioning & Heating. Joe is fired up, too, for this gem of Bucs coverage from The Identity Tampa Bay and Joe.
Don’t miss it. Hit play below:
May 3rd, 2019 at 3:59 pm
Seems like Devin White is tuned into what Buc fans are thinking…..maybe he followed all of Joe’s DE rants……good!!! He will be fired up to succeed.
I’ve always thought the player who wanted to please the fans were better players……not Divas who couldn’t care less what the fans want. I will not be the first one to predict that Devin White will definitely be worth the pick and will be a great Buc.
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Title line . . . It
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:06 pm
I hate having to put too much pressure on players but the only way that Devin will have been worth that 5th pick (and over guys like Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, and Jonah Williams) is if he turns into a HoF quality player ASAP. MLB was definitely a need but was nowhere near our biggest need this year, I’m hoping for the best though that he lives up to the hype.
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:22 pm
The main reason I was against this guy was his statement about being worth 20M per year on his second contract. This guy is already convinced of his greatness and that doesn’t usually transition well. I don’t think this guy is humble enough to be successful in the NFL if he struggles at all.
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:31 pm
I totally disagree, most players with extreme confidence do great in the NFL because they believe in themselves. (D. Sanders, Richard Sherman, Michael Irvin, etc.) There are many!
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Oh, how could I forget….. Warren Sapp! lol
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Str8 like dat Mr. White..
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:56 pm
What no cross or crown? Don’t want to hear about rookie anointed saviour of anything on this team. Been there and done that. Just let the man do his job with out all that talk.
May 3rd, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Don’t worry about it D white fans in this town suck. Doesn’t matter how great you are we ain’t winning without a complete roster
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Keith McCants was the right pick over Junior Seau….
Eric Curry turned this franchise around, not Hardy Nickerson…
Taking Gaines Adams over Adrian Peterson was the correct value pick, you never take a RB in the top 5…
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:23 pm
@James
Agree totally with your take. It takes a strong belief in oneself in any endeavor in life to be successful.
Growing up “old school” saying anything positive about oneself was considered totally taboo!!!
Muhammed Ali changed all of that. If and when White fails to deliver then we can begin the attacks. So far White has more than delivered and his talent on the field has been observed by everybody. He doesn’t live in a cave!!! He not only sees his success on the field he can hear and read what other people believe.
I get folks dislike bragging. But as the man said if you can back it up it ain’t bragging! Furthermore for me at least…just as bad as bragging is false humility. These guys know when they’re good. To PRETEND otherwise is just silly IMHO.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:24 pm
If Josh Allen is anything less than a consistent double digit “pass rusher” would you all still consider him more worthy of the #5 pick than White? Keep in mind Nassib was a guy pulled off the waiver wire and got 6.5 so I’d at least expect 10 out of Allen as a #5 pick.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:25 pm
You forgot Mark Barron over Luke Kuechly.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:26 pm
^^^^^^^ Thank you DBS. The media & many fans hurt Jameis IMO with all the ‘savior’ BS. They’ll both end up being critical cogs in the wheel IMO, BUT … it takes a TEAM to win consistently.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Anointed savior. Sure sounds like you’re still salty because they didn’t pick the player you wanted. Almost like a backhanded insult to the guy.
Must be the negative Joe. Figures.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Rod- you just laid on on pretty thick and I was picking it up. Well done.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:30 pm
I looked back, nobody in this thread mentioned savior or crowns or anything.????
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Pretty sure it was in the first line of the article.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:32 pm
For the TV age.
Babe Ruth and Dizzy Dean were Muhammed Ali long before he was born, and decades before TV was a significant media outlet.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:35 pm
I stand corrected. I meant those discussing in the thread, but I’ll own that one! lol Hee haw hee haw
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Perhaps that’s the Bucco Bruce Arians way, but maybe it’s also reflective of how much the Bucs were set on him early in the draft process. Great point, Joe. I think Devin turns out to be a stud but, I also think the Bucs fall in love with their guys and draft them much too early. (see every JL draft after the 1st rd.)
“…other teams were all about testing White’s football knowledge.” …and this is a bad idea?
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Off topic, but I just heard Greedy Williams refer to himself in the 3rd person. Too funny! Greedy Williams is here to blah, blah, blah….
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:48 pm
@James….. the name Broderick Thomas AKA the “Sandman” mean anything to you?
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:48 pm
James one thing you know is Greedy is not there to tackle
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:52 pm
Oh yeah, I remember the Sandman!
@SCBucs – That’s why he lasted so long.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:57 pm
People wanted Greedy here. They won’t when they see players run by him.
May 3rd, 2019 at 5:57 pm
Although, Greedy does have a bright future as a stand in for Chris Rock. 🙂
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:02 pm
The kid is genuine for sure.
He knows the hype and he has no problem with the pressure.
He is already the leader of the defense
I think it’s only a matter of time before he is leader of entire team.
Will keep guys fired up and accountable. No slacking.
A true franchise player
For so young , he gives a genuine answer without having to think about it.
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:03 pm
@Joe
Great point about Babe Ruth and Dizzy Dean and the difference TV made.
I would add along those same thoughtlines that the internet and social media have also taken this phenomenon to even larger status.
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Not worried at all about occasional third person usage…..and with White it is the exception, not the norm.
And I totally agree…..the players with strong outward self-confidence are usually the best players……but not always…..Derrick Brooks comes to mind…..Leroy Selmon anyone?
Now about this “anointed savior of the defense”…..I certainly hope so…..and I don’t think Devin White has any problem accepting the role.
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Dude is confident. Lets see him back it up. I got this feeling..he will.
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Did you see what Todd McNair said about Rojo (and this is somewhat taken out of context. )
Called him immature. And guessed that he Lacked a male figure in life “
Ouch
His military father passed while he was a sophomore in college I believe. He needed a heart transplant and never got one.
Coach may want to know players before he starts talking about them.
May 3rd, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Devin White will be a long time starting ILB for the Bucs
I believe they could have drafted one of the best DE in the 3rd round.
De Jaylon Ferguson
May 3rd, 2019 at 7:02 pm
I think the value of lbs will rise on the next 5 years with more and more pass catching rbs and more running qbs. The need for a sifeline to sideline lb who doesnt miss tackles and wants to win may be a genius pickup in thos draft. I wanted oliver but no reason to dwell on what could have been.
WELCOME TO TAMPA DEVIN, IM JUST GLAD YOU GET TO START YOUR NFL CAREER PLAYING FOR A REAL HEAD COACH
May 3rd, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Do any of us know if Oliver or Allen will be studs? Oh right we have no idea, give it a rest.
May 3rd, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Stpete,
Just to clarify a point about Cassius Clay, (that’s what his momma named him )
Clay’s persona was a direct rip off of a pro wrestler . The Nature Boy. Clay cast himself as the villian , the bad guy. Just like a pro wrestler. Hugely successful and the heavy weight division never was a popular or relevant after He left.
White is a player used to the spotlight and looks comfortable. That’s huge …..character wise
He’s the exact opposite of who most people that have been critical of a single sentence the kid said. It’s impossible to seriously consider any adult who is so quick to judge someone else .You’d think life would have learnt you crackers. a Thang or 2 bout judging a person by the size of the tires on they’re truck…..
May 3rd, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Grammarly Pro is a great asset for writers and bloggers. It is less expensive than hiring a proofreader.
I hope the young man does well in his first season.
May 3rd, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Lakeland … I agree. Passing on Ferguson in the 3rd was the head-scratcher to me. I was sure that he’d go in the 2nd Rnd. Still convinced he’ll be a beast in the NFL.
May 3rd, 2019 at 9:15 pm
They passed on Ferguson because they had their eyes on Anthony Nelson. Similar stat lines in a bigger conference. Ferguson 6’5 271,Nelson 6’7 271 with the ability to easily add 10lbs according to him. Same arm length,similar style of play. Bull rush great in both prospects,leg drive great in both prospects. Not sure about Jaylon’s motor but Anthony’s is undeniable. What may separate the two is hand usage and the ability to disengage. Nelson hands are outstanding,may be the by-product of being the son of a former NFL Dlinemen. Either way it went both prospects make for ideal 3/4 DEs.
May 3rd, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Y’all might wanna pay a little closer attention to Anthony Nelson. These guys to my eye are clearly recreating the defense they had in zona. Anthony Nelson looks like he’s primed to become the Tampa version of they’re former Calais Campbell.
May 3rd, 2019 at 9:25 pm
I think most here are also sleeping on Terry Beckner jr. check and see how many Big time programs that were after him coming out of highschool. He was 5star. Not overly concerned with the acl’s because science and medicine seem to all but licked that injury. He’s played every game the last two seasons. I give a s@:& how our draft was graded. The Bucs kicked @$$ last weekend. And about to on that field the start of next season. You can see in the coaches presser’s they hold back smiles,they mention this team’s average age 24/25. They giddy as s@“/. These folks feel like they struck gold in this team.
May 3rd, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Thanks for the insight on Anthony Nelson, NOSBOS.
________
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2019 at 9:58 pm
Rodger that Senile..
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:01 pm
NOSBOS … I’ve been impressed with Anthony Nelson too now that I’ve learned a bit more about him. Walter Football really had me confused with their rankings on Beckner (#10) and Nelson (#11) as 3-4 DEs. BOTH of them they considered to be Round 3-5 guys. Ferguson if I remember was rated considerably higher. Just goes to show I guess that where these ‘experts’ rank players may mean next-to-nothing to any particular team. IOW NOSBOS, value is in the eye of the beholder.
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:03 pm
I feel bad for mr white…. seems like a good dude…nothing can suck the life out of a player faster than playing for glazers minor league franchise
#fanofnflsblackhole-i-am-a-victim
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:08 pm
That’s true Defense. And there is a great write up Terry Beckner jr on the Bucs app right now. He was awesome coming out of highschool man. The acl’s derailed him a little but the talent is undeniable. To me he and Nelson are steals maybe not to every team but for this team and this scheme I believe they’ll prove late round steals. People are unhappy but I truly believe every person drafted is going to make this team. 3 or 4 Will Be Day 1 Starters.
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:18 pm
NOSBOS,
Terry Beckner was a Top-10 talent coming out of high school. But he tore his left ACL, and the next season tore his right ACL. That’s was his problem in college. Staying healthy.
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:21 pm
But Jaylon Ferguson was drafted by the right team. he will get a shot with a team that knows how to develop defensive players. The Ravens lost Suggs, Smith and Mosely in FA. Sometimes it’s a blessing when teams pass on you!!
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:39 pm
And also Michigan Chase Minovich was there in the 3rd round. He’s 6’3 255 lbs and ran a 4.59 at the combine. He should be a solid 3-4 Lbs. I’m saying that the Bucs had pass rushes available in the 3rd round, when they traded the pick.
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:41 pm
**3-4 LB** **Pass Rushers**
May 3rd, 2019 at 10:43 pm
I meant Chase Winovich
May 3rd, 2019 at 11:01 pm
I feel what you saying Lakeland,I just think as a staff they’re comfortable for the most with what they have by way of outside rushing. Time will soon tell as their assertions were correct.. Me personally I’m in agreement with them.
May 4th, 2019 at 2:43 am
He was a seventh-round pick for crying out loud.
May 4th, 2019 at 7:53 am
Mainly because some were concerned about the prior knee injuries Joe. We’re it not for that his talent would have had drafted in the 1st round. There was this RB that was drafted in the 6th round,ended up in Denver where he won a couple Superbowls and had a 2000 yard rushing season. Y’all get too caught in rounds and names man. And don’t get me started on that QB up NE.
May 4th, 2019 at 2:25 pm
What else can the coaches say? They are stuck with Winston for the year. But blaming his woes on “accuracy” is laughable. He constantly makes bad decisions. His level of panick on the field will not work in the NFL. Good thing we only have one more season before it gets addressed with the #1 pick next year.
Now before all you Jameis lovers wearing pewter coloured glasses jump all over me , let me say that I hope he proves me wrong. The last 4 years haven’t, but stranger things have happened.
May 4th, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Oops. Wrong thread. Lol
May 4th, 2019 at 4:39 pm
NOSBOS,
I stopped reading after the word “star”. 5 star rating. …that’s like applying to a college with a perfect SAT score . Great pick..
May 4th, 2019 at 5:12 pm
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/05/02/devin-bush-pittsburgh-steelers-father-falcons-size-speed-instincts-devin-white
May 5th, 2019 at 12:22 pm
I can’t wait to see White hit the field or for his name added to the Bucs greatest players.