Position Group: Inside Linebackers
Players: Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, Anthony Walker Jr., Deion Jones, Nick Jackson (Reserve/Future)
2025 Evaluation: Lavonte David led the way with 1,023 defensive snaps played in 2025. In his 14th NFL season with Tampa Bay, David accumulated an interception, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, 114 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss and six quarterback hits. David, the longest-tenured player on the Bucs' roster, helped set the tone on defense in 2025. He is one of two players since tackles began being tracked in 1994 with 1,500-plus tackles, 40-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions, alongside Ray Lewis. David's trademark is his instincts, along with his ability to rush the passer and feel for leverage/angles. He has hip fluidity in coverage and has donned a captain badge for 12 consecutive seasons.
SirVocea Dennis came in next at 910 snaps and nabbed an interception, five passes defensed, 3.0 sacks, 100 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits in 2025. He paired well-timed blitzes with effectiveness at reading and diagnosing the run. Dennis triggered downhill quickly against the run, meeting running backs in the hole. Veteran Deion Jones, who the Bucs signed to their practice squad in 2024 after a rash of injuries to the position, contributed 120 snaps in 2025. Nick Jackson posted 18 snaps, while Anthony Walker Jr., who was signed off the Colts' practice squad in December, posted one.
2026 Outlook: Lavonte David, one of the most distinguished players in franchise history, along with Deion Jones, are impending free agents. Time will determine whether David decides to continue playing or retire following an illustrious 14-year career in Tampa Bay. He boasts a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career as one of the most impactful off-ball linebackers in NFL lore and the Bucs will have to add depth at the position through the draft and/or free agency.
