Taking a look at the IDP profile of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker Devin White.
I’m going to get this out of the way now because at this point it should be a given. Devin White is the 1.01 IDP player in any format.
Devin White was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 5th overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft. His 4.42 40-yard dash time is the blueprint for the new breed of NFL linebackers going forward, and all of his combine numbers (except bench) proved excellent in comparison to his peers.
White would land on the NFL’s All-Rookie team in his rookie year and showed incredible promise; both in real life and for fantasy football purposes.
He would finish the year with 91 tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT and 2 touchdowns. In fantasy football IDP formats, White placed behind his counterparts in Tampa Bay; placing 45th overall and 30th among linebackers.
The second-year player upped the ante of his stellar rookie campaign by compiling nearly 50 more tackles, tripling his TFL and QB hits, and getting nine sacks on the season.
In year two White would end up finishing first overall for IDP players, showing incredible durability throughout the season. His speed, vision, and sure tackling showed that he’ll be a staple in this defense for years to come.
This was on display during the Super Bowl, as White would lead all Buccaneers’ players in tackles (12), with two TFL’s, 1 pass deflection, and an interception to seal the game in the fourth quarter. He also led all players in tackles overall, too.
With Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett set to hit free agency there’s a chance that White’s role can expand further, with a realistic chance to have the most solo tackles in a season since 1994; which he was only 16 shy of tying this season.
While T.J. Watt and Chase Young may have bigger names, White is going to be the more consistent player in fantasy football. Inside linebackers naturally accumulate more tackles per game, while having the versatility to produce rushing the passer and in coverage.
With defensive coordinator Todd Bowles expected to remain with the team in 2021 there isn’t any reason to believe a dip in production will occur. Bowles loves to blitz his linebackers, and Devin White will be a key part of that strategy going forward. Presumably the front seven could actually get worse too, leading to more opportunity for White as players find themselves reaching the second level.
As of right now, his landing spot is in the 10-12 round range in dynasty formats that feautre IDP players. That may seem high, but he would have placed as the WR7 in terms of points, as well as the RB4 in PPR leagues. That type of production in the later rounds is absolutely worth it.
Drafting a player like Devin White to your team isn’t just good for the short-term. It provides a young, talented player who can anchor your defense in IDP leagues for years to come. Make sure to own him in all of your fantasy football leagues.
