Another week means another Buccaneer joining the NFL Network's annual list of the top 100 players. A week after defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was named the No. 63 player in the league for the 2015 season, linebacker Lavonte David has been added to the list at No. 53. David moved up three spots from his No. 56 ranking a year ago. He made his top 100 debut in 2014 at No. 35.
David started all 16 games for the Buccaneers in 2015, picking up a career-high 147 tackles, which led all Tampa Bay defenders. He also recorded three sacks, three interceptions and forced two fumbles. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown. For his efforts, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
David has recorded at least 139 combined tackles in each of his four seasons. Each season he's been able to record more tackles than the last, picking up 139 his rookie year, 145 in 2013, 146 in 2014 and 147 last year.
David is the second member of the Buccaneers to be selected to the NFL Network's list, but he's unlikely the last. Running back Doug Martin, quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans, among others, have yet to hear their names called.
The NFL Network will release 10 new names each week until the finale, where the top player of 2015 will be revealed.
