Lavonte David Respected At Last As Top NFL LB

In 2024, David recorded 5.5 sacks (his best since 2013), three forced fumbles, and anchored the Bucs with 122 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six passes defensed, and an interception. He also did all of this while playing all 17 games, staying healthy and on the field to be one of the unit’s biggest difference-makers.

“I think he was finally healthy [last year] — played through some issues the last few years but was freed up to make plays,” an NFL offensive coach said. “He can still go at a high level. So tough.”

The Case For Lavonte David At No. 7 Makes Its Own

Compared to other positions, ranking inside linebackers is not as easy of an exercise. Only Fred Warner (first) and Roquan Smith (second) appeared on every ranking. Zack Baun, despite having an All-Pro year, came in third but went unranked on at least one list. After them, the list gets even more jumbled, but Lavonte David is still holding strong.

David was the only player featured older than 28 years old, and even Bobby Wagner, the linebacker who has long stolen his shine, went unranked as he enters the tail end of his career. Few 35-year-old linebackers still roam sideline to sideline like and have elite instincts. 

Even entering year 14, David sits ahead of younger standouts like DeMarvion Overshown, Dre Greenlaw and Quincy Williams — players who flashed but haven’t consistently produced. His ability to contribute in rushing downs, coverage, and turnovers is exceedingly rare for someone his age.

Like wide receiver Mike Evans, “LVD” has not gotten the accolades of some of the other players at his position who had higher peaks. When it comes to polished production and resilience though, it is hard to argue against someone who has been doing this at a high level since being selected 58th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. ESPN even recently labeled him as the best-ever pick at that draft slot.

Having played 198 career games, totaling 1,602 total tackles, recording 39 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions, he has remained the heart of the Tampa Bay defense through its various iterations while being one of the unit’s best players.

As he enters another season, Lavonte David is aiming to sustain his near decade and a half of excellence. David’s ranking does not just honor what he has done; it underlines what he is still capable of. For someone who does not rely on hype, that is the most powerful validation of all.