Position review: Bucs linebackers gained more comfort, but not enough
TAMPA, Fla. -- One is a premier talent, the other a rising star and the third a question mark.
One will remain a staple of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' linebacker corps, the other figures to play a large role next season and the third has no guarantee he will return.
Lavonte David is a powerhouse name on the Bucs' defense, second only to defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Danny Lansanah made the most of his chance to shine within Tampa Bay's scheme. Mason Foster, meanwhile, struggled with injuries and left his future in doubt.
Overall, the Bucs' linebackers weren't bad. After all, there are greater areas of weakness up and down the roster. Throughout the offense and the defense (mainly the secondary), the holes are larger and the grumbles more concerning.
However, there's room for improvement here.
Like all defensive positions, the Bucs' linebackers had difficulty with coach Lovie Smith's scheme early before gaining more comfort late in the season. David and Lansanah are success stories, but beyond those two, there are reasons to wonder about the strength of Tampa Bay's depth at the position.
"Real close," David said, when asked how close the Bucs are to grasping the scheme. "We still have some small things to work on, obviously. But we improved a lot, and all of the guys see that. We're not blind to that. We know how great we can be, and that's what we're looking forward to next year."
Will the coming season be kinder? Time will show.
Here's a closer look at the Bucs' linebackers in 2014:
STARTERS
Danny Lansanah (SLB) -- He became one of the Bucs' best surprise success stories in the past year. Signed as a free agent in December 2013, Lansanah beat out Jonathan Casillas for the starting job early last fall, leading to Casillas' eventual trade to the New England Patriots. Lansanah had just six NFL appearances before last season, after making his debut with the Green Bay Packers in 2008. But he earned 82 tackles, three passes defensed, one and a half sacks and three interceptions with two picks returned for touchdowns in 16 games (11 starts).
Mason Foster (MLB) -- The fourth-year player lived his worst season with the Bucs, finishing with just 62 tackles and three passes defensed in 10 games. He sustained shoulder and Achilles injuries that limited his play. His future with Tampa Bay is uncertain, especially with Lansanah receiving work at middle linebacker in parts of Foster's absence. Foster has said he would like to remain with the Bucs.
Lavonte David (WLB) -- He continues to be one of the NFL's most underrated linebackers. He had 146 tackles, one sack, four passes defensed and four forced fumbles in 14 games. (He sat out two games with a hamstring injury.) It's clear that Smith considers David to be a pillar of the Bucs' future along with McCoy. But until the Bucs' national profile rises, David will struggle to gain recognition for his consistent play.
BACKUPS
Orie Lemon (SLB) -- He was signed off the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad in October, before experiencing the first significant playing time of his career. Lemon had 23 tackles in 10 games (three starts), and he proved to be a solid depth piece for the Bucs late in the year. He had a season-high six tackles in a Week 13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dane Fletcher (MLB) -- He joined the Bucs last March after signing as an unrestricted free agent. Fletcher posted 39 tackles, a half sack and one pass defensed in 16 games (four starts). He also was a staple on special teams.
Jason Williams (WLB) -- He was signed in December after the Carolina Panthers released him following 11 games. Williams had seven tackles in three contests with the Bucs. He's primarily a special-teams player.
Jonathan Casillas (SLB) -- Thought to be a starter before the season, he became expendable with Lansanah's emergence. Still, Casillas found new life with the Patriots, who gained him in a trade in October. Casillas had just nine tackles in five games (three starts) with the Bucs before becoming part of the Patriots' Super Bowl run.
POSSIBLE FREE-AGENT TARGETS
What becomes of Foster? That question likely will drive what direction the Bucs will go in free agency when it comes to their strategy at linebacker. David will return, and Lansanah looks like a talent on the rise. If Tampa Bay chooses to part ways with Foster, then names like the Buffalo Bills' Brandon Spikes, the Dallas Cowboys' Rolando McClain or the Indianapolis Colts' Jerrell Freeman could be options.
BEST DRAFT OPTIONS
It's doubtful that the Bucs will use a high draft pick on a linebacker, because they're more likely to stick with their starters or replace Foster in free agency. Besides, there are greater areas of need than this one. But perhaps Penn State's Mike Hull or USC's Hayes Pullard will receive attention in the later rounds.
FINAL THOUGHT
When will David receive his due? He continues not only to be one of the Bucs' standout players, but he's also one of the NFL's top talents at his position. The Bucs are fortunate to have him, but he fades into the background too often from his weak-side spot when the national discussion is considered. Perhaps if the Bucs regain prominence, more attention will come his way. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay must figure out if Foster remains part of the defensive plans. His momentum declined late last season as Lansanah became more known.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
