Fansided

NFL Rankings: 10 Best Linebackers in the League

By Phil Watson

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) runs after intercepting a pass in the third quarter. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-6 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) runs after intercepting a pass in the third quarter. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-6 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lavante David. 4. player. 48.

Lavonte David was an All-Pro in just his second NFL season in 2013, doing a little bit of everything.

David had 145 tackles, 10 pass breakups, seven sacks, five interceptions and two forced fumbles.

He even scored a safety.

He was a second-round pick out of Nebraska in 2012 by the Buccaneers and was a starter from Week 1 of the regular season.

Teammate Gerald McCoy wants he and David to be the next great defensive tandem in Tampa Bay, along the lines of the Hall of Fame duo of Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks.

“That’s humbling,” David said when told Brooks compared himself favorably to Davis. “Sometimes I’m scared to text Derrick because he’s a legend. But he’s a humble guy who loves passing on his knowledge. He’s been a big brother, telling me, ‘Be who I am, be the best I can be.’”

David burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2012 with 139 tackles, two sacks, five pass breakups and an interception.

Next: Aldon in SF

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