Devin White

Devin White Player Profile

Summary

Devin White was selected in Round 1 (#5 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of Louisiana State University. SU. At LSU, he was a dominant force, racking up over 123 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in his final collegiate season, and winning the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. In the NFL, he’s played for Tampa Bay (where he won Super Bowl LV), and more recently with the Las Vegas Raiders, compiling 600+ career tackles, 20+ sacks, and multiple take‑aways. Despite peaking very early in his career and tapering off, he’s been recognized for his elite sideline-to-sideline speed, physicality, and leadership — traits that have made him a foundational, playmaking linebacker throughout his career.

Strengths

  • Exceptional Athleticism & Speed: White’s sideline-to-sideline range is elite; he can close on plays quickly, making him a real threat in pursuit. Last Word On Sports

  • Run Defense & Physical Tackling: He’s a hard-hitting run-stopper who flows downhill, takes on blocks, and delivers big hits.

  • Blitzing Playmaker: White has shown ability to rush the quarterback effectively, using his burst and power to generate pressure.

  • High Motor / Aggression: Plays with relentless effort, always around the ball, whether in run fits or pursuing through traffic.

  • Turnover Threat: Has made big plays in big moments, including creating take‑aways. In the 2020 postseason, he had multiple interceptions and fumble recoveries. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Leadership & Competitive Character: Respected by teammates and coaches; his intensity and play style make him a natural tone-setter on defense.

Weaknesses

  • Instinct / Diagnosis Lapses: Sometimes over-aggressive or “reckless” in pursuit, leading to misreads or overrunning plays.

  • Coverage Consistency: While athletic, he can struggle in man coverage and tighter zones; his pass coverage instincts are still a work in progress.

  • Tackling Technique: At times, he tackles high or leans, relying on speed rather than wrapping up, which can lead to missed tackles. Last Word On Sports

  • Shed Block Issues: May have difficulty disengaging from larger blockers at the second level, limiting his effectiveness in certain run schemes.

  • Risk of Over-pursuit: Because of his speed, he can “shoot the gap” aggressively and may get out of position if he misreads the play.

Fit & Outlook

Devin White projects as a three-down, high-impact linebacker in a modern defense — especially one that values speed, aggression, and versatility. As a downhill playmaker, he’s suited for a scheme that allows him to flow to the ball, blitz, and make plays sideline‑to‑sideline. He can be effective in both base and sub-package defenses, giving coordinators flexibility. Looking ahead, his outlook remains very promising, though not without risk. If he continues to refine his coverage skills, improve his tackling consistency, and maintain his elite athletic traits, he can be a perennial defensive centerpiece. However, his aggressive style and some technical limitations mean consistency and assignment discipline will be key. With the right coaching and scheme fit, White still has the potential to still be an effective linebacker, but the next few seasons will be critical to determining if he can consistently tap back into the elite tier upside he showed early in his career.