Embracing Devin White’s New Role
December 23rd, 2023
All kinds of chatter is out there surrounding the saga of Devin White. Did he bench/deactivate himself last Sunday?
Is he pouting because Todd Bowles plans to make him a rotational player with surging inside linebacker K.J. Britt?
Joe has had enough of the drama. White won’t be a Buccaneer next season — that’s obvious — so Joe just wants to know how White can help the Bucs in their final three regular season games, and in the postseason.
Joe is excited about White’s new role. Might he line up at times as an edge rusher on passing downs? That could be a speed nightmare for a Jaguars left or right tackle on Sunday.
Will he be used as a blitzing situational pass rusher? If White is only playing part-time, his fresh legs might improve his ability to get home on blitzes, which has been a challenge this season. The Bucs’ rank tied for 11th in the NFL in sacks this season, but the pass rush overall has been very inconsistent.
Most interesting to Joe is whether White will come out Sunday playing with his hair on fire. Will his attitude (good attitude) show up on film, as Rondé Barber likes to say? It’s been a while.
White can’t be counted on down the stretch and his foot injury might be holding him back. Still, Joe hasn’t abandoned hope of White getting healthy and making a big play or two in a big game.
At 25 years old, he certainly shouldn’t be washed out.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:22 pm
25 years old and we should be excited to resign him but instead, he has approximately 3 weeks left in a buccaneers uniform.
IMO, the thing that holds white back from being really really good is his head. Dude seems like a head case. Mentally weak. Again, just my opinion.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:29 pm
If White excels as a 25 year old edge rusher, resign him. Very hard to find pass rushers. I think that’s a great idea – take all the coverage responsibility away. Just run towards the ball. Worked for LT.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:29 pm
It took defense guru 4 years to figure this out. White will be very motivated playing for a contract elsewhere. We all saw him in 2020 playoffs when he is motivated.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:33 pm
I think White will be a force tomorrow if used to rush the passer. And playoff Lenny is active tonight for the Bills. Peacock is $5.99/month & you can cancel anytime.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Watch 49ers will grab him. Use him as a edge Blitzer and dude will have 17 sacks next year. And all of us will be left wondering wtf is wrong with our staff. Clue. They can’t put guys in position to win. Or play to strengths
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:36 pm
JPP was released by the Fins yesterday
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Punt team
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Get him out. Who Cares. He has Super Bowl $ in his eyes. Phooey.
December 23rd, 2023 at 3:54 pm
I heard he refused to play a rotational/non-starter role, which apparently meant he’d be the guy covering kicks. Can’t see him doing that, since he thinks that’s beneath him. My guess is TB caved and is going to let him come in when he feels like it to rush the passer. I can’t wait until he and his Diva drama is off the Bucs and on another team.
December 23rd, 2023 at 4:22 pm
I mentioned this before in another post here on JBF, and I’ll mention it again.
It’s time for Devin White to go. I personally would prefer not to see him on the field again in a Bucs uniform. Ever.
No doubt, he’d make an outstanding blitzer or edge rusher.
My only question (and biggest concern) is how much of an effort he’s actually going to make, presuming he shows up on the field tomorrow?
We have too much at stake in these last three games to take a chance on him. Also, there are too many other players on the team who are giving 110% or more from the opening kickoff to the final whistle… every game, every week. It isn’t fair to them, and if we actually make it into the playoffs it’s because those other players worked their butts of for it.
I want them to succeed, and I want to see them reap the benefits of their hard work all season long. I want to stand in my living room with the t.v. on, screaming and cheering for them, when they earn what they’ve worked so hard for.
I’m not willing to give that up for Devin White.
Bench him.
For good.
December 23rd, 2023 at 4:27 pm
If his head is right, out of loyalty to his teammates, I’d like to see him as a pass-down edge rusher.
Rather have him out there than giving reps to JTS or Nelson.
That said, there’s no place for him here in 2024
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:04 pm
Having a hard time getting my head around some of these comments… I can see him finding success as a rotational ILB in blitz packages (assuming KJ gets the start), but thinking about him as an edge rusher makes no sense to me. Interesting in theory I guess, but how many times have we seen him line up on the edge and go 1:1 vs a tackle?
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:09 pm
NE fan:
You are exactly right. White is a very very effective LB WHEN he wants to be. Look at his college tapes he is a superior LB with unmatched speed. His mentality is what is bringing him down. I bet he never study’s film or does any homework. You need to do that in the nfl. His athletic ability is top shelf. He needs to channel his ability. We will regret trading white if it comes down to that make my words
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:14 pm
White has multiple reasons to still play with passion. 1. His next contract is depending on it, regardless with bucs or another team. 2. If you are truly a bucs fan you see he is still respected on the defense, and still a captain which carry’s a lot of weight. 3. He’s an elite athlete. These people plan to win and want to win
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:17 pm
For anyone who’s ever had a serious foot injury (I have) ……will know for a fact that anykind of weight on it is just pure hell. Fans wanna paint these professional athletes like they’re somehow impervious to pain and they magically heal in 6 days which is obviously 100% untrue.
He’s obviously hurt doesn’t want to disclose the true nature of injury in order to not jepordize him signing with his new team this coming off-season because it’s 100% clear the Bucs will not resign him because he doesn’t want to be here in the first place.
Devin White is clearly a very gifted athlete, but he just doesn’t want to mentally be in Tampa anymore for whatever reason that is. If he never plays another down for the bucs again….then so be it, but it’s ashame he’s not gonna be another Brooks or LVD for this Franchise for a decade or more ☹️ because I think this organization and the Fans thought that when he was drafted in the first round.
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:40 pm
Oh jeez , midget arms can’t get off 200 lb rb blocks and he really shows no fluid skill set at all !! Never has !! He may have a chance to run by a D end but he isn’t fluid enough to even turn a corner or dip under blocks ……… The guy is fast is a straight line and that is IT !!! He is NOT an athletic talent at all !! He can run but that is it , that is all his game has !!
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:41 pm
All you clowns who are hating on Devin White seem to fail to realize he’s playing for a contract next year either with the Buccaneers or another team. If he mails it in what do you think that’s going to do to his value? 🙄
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:46 pm
We don’t give a rip what his value is gonna be. It won’t be with us so who cares if his value takes a hit.
You his brother? Sister?
December 23rd, 2023 at 5:49 pm
“ZOMG WOW WHAT JF HE RUN FAST AT BALL FROM SIDES WHAT THEN,” -What passes as sports journalism to all of you apparently
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:02 pm
KWON 2: Electric Boogaloo
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:14 pm
Probably should look at Sebastian-Day as a backup DT to get this team through the season and possibly the playoffs.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:25 pm
He should deff switch his position to outside LB. Hr can rush we all know that is a strength of his but coverage and sometimes run stopping in the fact he takes bad angles but man he could be dinomite in pass rushing
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Devin is going to be a terrible olb he can’t shed blocks but somehow he is going to be a revelation at outside linebacker hmm OK he is too small and not disciplined in his assignments chasing the big play instead of letting g it come to him within the scheme such a shame has all the athletic tools to be dominate but his ego gets in his way.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:33 pm
His value is at it lowest point…right now.
Not only poor effort on the field but now drama off of it.
He really hurt his brand this year.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:36 pm
“White won’t be a Buccaneer next season — that’s obvious” – Joe
Maybe not so obvious. They’ll probably have to replace Lavante David due to retirement.
If they find a way to re-sign White (big if at what he wants), then we could see him playing in Lavante’s place.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:39 pm
optimisticbucsfan Says
“His value is at it lowest point…right now.”
Which will lower his asking price hopefully.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:42 pm
I personally like White. I don’t believe he demanded a trade…that was media speak. I think he stated that if they could not afford him, he was willing to be traded.
Big difference.
No doubt, his injury has hampered him.
But even though he was not credited with a lot of plays, he was all over the place and involved in plays that were influenced by him.
He has 3 games to prove himself if he is healed.
If he has a crap attitude, the staff can always do the Meshawn Johnson thing and deactivate him…and that would kill his value.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Bonz, David is not retiring. hw has 2 more years in him but we’ll go 1 year at a time.
December 23rd, 2023 at 6:49 pm
I think White is still a very good LB however, I think he has wore out his welcome in Tampa. What I hope happens and pretty sure it will is, trade White and get decent draft pick
December 23rd, 2023 at 7:16 pm
Popcorn Mike … Can’t trade a player who only has a couple of games to go until he’s a free agent (no team will do a trade like that). Got a hunch that Bowles doesn’t trust White any longer to ‘play within the system’ (and that’s huge to Bowles apparently)’ thus the rotational role that allows him to keep White on a leash.
And yes Dewey, LVD is not retiring. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him play until he’s 38 or thereabouts. He loves football too much.
December 23rd, 2023 at 7:27 pm
He will probably be used as a situational pass rusher. The only problem I see with this is that he is not good a shedding blocks. Most of his sacks came when blitzing untouched. I he has to shed blocks, might as well leave him inactive imo.
December 23rd, 2023 at 7:30 pm
*If
December 23rd, 2023 at 7:40 pm
LVD is the HOF captain of the Defense. He’s been like that ever since he was drafted back in 2012. He took DWhite under his wing, and player/coached the sorry whatever. LVD is my favorite Buc. He .could have left this sorryassed team years ago. He had plenty of offers. We’re talking $$$$$$$$. He did not. You can bet the D will show up, and they’re hurt. Plus joes, I just read RJS is sold out. 🏈🙂🏈🙂 Yeow whoooo! Go Bucs!
December 23rd, 2023 at 8:01 pm
True defense rules, White is a free agent this year, my bad. Pretty sure though his relationship In Tampa has soured so I am not looking for him back next year
December 23rd, 2023 at 8:04 pm
PFF: 39
December 23rd, 2023 at 8:05 pm
A ufa from East Bugtustle state would be more effective
December 23rd, 2023 at 8:38 pm
45 has not been right for a couple of seasons. This isnt something that came out of nowhere. I think Bowles has ruined him. 45 doesnt play fast at all anymore. He is likely to either do jumping jacks shirtless in the end zone, or completely ball out with easier defensive assignments. Bowles always puts him in bad angles and situations to cover the schemes, and this guy just needs to be let loose and get after it.
December 23rd, 2023 at 9:01 pm
If he is active, make White play special teams! And ONLY special teams…..
I’m sure he would be a hell of a gunner if his pouting doesn’t slow him down….
December 23rd, 2023 at 9:25 pm
Duane in Sanford … ’45 has not been right for a couple of seasons. This isn’t something that came out of nowhere. I think Bowles has ruined him.’
More likely that White ruined himself Duane. Guys like Suh & Shaq signed with the Bucs BECAUSE of Todd Bowles & the opportunity to play in this defense. They’ve both said as much. Bowles is regarded as a DC who can put players in position to be able to make plays (doesn’t mean they’ll actually make them however). I always got the feeling though that the key to succeeding in his defense was to focus on YOUR responsibilities (gaps, contain, etc). Also have gotten the feeling that ad-libbing was frowned upon by Bowles if it compromised meeting YOUR responsibilities.
On watching White this season, he looks different than in earlier years IMO. Doesn’t appear to be playing as fast, and seems to be having problems getting caught or driven out of position. Might be because of injuries, or maybe just attitude; don’t know. The Devin White we’ve been watching this season is not a very dominant player IMO. Maybe a change of scenery will do him a world of good, even if it costs him a few mil this coming year.
December 23rd, 2023 at 10:07 pm
I don’t think DW is unselfish enough to make a positive difference in the game. He freelances a lot and isn’t that good anyway. I hope Britt plays the entire game. This is December football. Not time for drama.
December 23rd, 2023 at 10:18 pm
Just because the media and fans don’t want him back doesn’t mean it’s “obvious” he won’t be re-signed lol. We know about White and Bowles connection. If Bowles stays, Bowles would most likely want to keep him..
December 23rd, 2023 at 10:27 pm
Seems he learned a thing or two from Antonio Brown.
December 23rd, 2023 at 10:44 pm
D.R.
I agree completely about LVD. He’s got a few more years left if he wants them.
London Fletcher was playing at a high level for the Redskins well into his late 30’s.
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:10 pm
We don’t give a rip what his value is gonna be. It won’t be with us so who cares if his value takes a hit.
You his brother? Sister?
your missing the point, which is if he wants to have any “value” he has to play well and prove that value. Which ripples into him being effective for the bucs.
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:16 pm
i call it today before the jags game, white shows up and he shows up like the linebacker he was is 2021 and he carries that momentum through the playoffs.
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:22 pm
Duane i don’t completely disagree, i thinks whites lack of effectiveness has been a failure of where he’s been lined up and if youve read up on the bucs lately youve taken note that white is going to be their starting nickel and britt will be their starting base, at least from what i understand. Ill be very interested to see the verdict of that tomrrow.
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:37 pm
No you are missing the point Creamsicle we the fans don’t want him here . What do think once he gets his money garintee he will play better?
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Finally a complete post segment without trashing baker u guess stayed on point this time I for 1 am impressed
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:49 pm
Oh yes I forgot I just love a real Creamsicle remember orange & white ice cream stick
December 23rd, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Unleash Bucs linebacker core upon Lawrence. Perfect time for Devon White.
December 24th, 2023 at 1:01 am
Can this be equivalent to him catching covid during our late season/postseason run of 2020. Maybe the games off will help him be a beast. Especially with his performance against the saints in that playoff game, and you know who we play next week. I’m just saying, one final push wouldn’t hurt
December 24th, 2023 at 4:37 am
Everyone saying use D White as a pass rusher doesn’t understand football.
He is not big enough to be an OLB or DE.
His rushing ability as an ILB doesn’t translate.
That’s like saying Rachaad White is a misplaced receiver, just because he has good hands as a RB.
There is a LOT more to running routes than White KNOWS to be an NFL receiver, and there ate severe limitations to D White being an EDGE rusher.
D White is an ILB through and through.
When he did FOCUS on being better in coverage in the SB year, we saw improvements.
I do suspect the injury was untimely for White, but his effort hasn’t made us FORGET about his subpar play. He still raked in huge stats against the Vikings before disappearing, I assume from injury.
Im not ready to say Good Riddance to a Top 5 draft pick who still plays for our team, and, who can still be a HERO for this team down the stretch.
I do agree with his mentality being a detriment to his play. His passion for the game of football is being trumped by his desire to get paid.
It’s a shame, and it happens ALL THE TIME in the NFL when young guys can make millions and millions of dollars.
Give me the Alex Anzalone’s of the world with less athletic ability and money and more heart, every day of the week, and literally twice on Sundays.
December 24th, 2023 at 4:42 am
He gets sacks because he sprints at the QB with a running start!
He’s not an edge rusher! He doesn’t have edge rusher moves!
Are you guys nuts?
He’s a downhill LB with RB speed.
He is never going to be an edge rusher.
Vita Vea on the other hand should be getting reps at DE every game!!
December 24th, 2023 at 8:12 am
No denying D White’s talents, just his ability to use them. I can see him having flash moments for the Bucs if he suits up, just to prove himself to anyone that’s still interested. It would be a good way for him to go out.
December 24th, 2023 at 9:14 am
I think he could be a force at OLB
December 24th, 2023 at 2:16 pm
“surging inside linebacker K.J. Britt?”
LOL!
What exactly has this defense been doing the last few weeks other than giving up tons of points and yards?
December 24th, 2023 at 3:52 pm
White’s agent should call the 49ers and see if they would offer a Kwon type deal for White……Kwon 2!!!
December 24th, 2023 at 6:21 pm
D45W hair is on fire today! …..you find a way to keep your GREAT players!
December 24th, 2023 at 10:29 pm
keep him as an edge rusher if he can play like he did today