25 best NFL players under 25 years old

24. Devin White

White already has a Super Bowl win to his name, but his individual career is still on its ascendancy. The versatility he gives the Buccaneers from the linebacker position is crucial to their defense’s success against all manner of opposing offenses.

White’s combination play with Lavonte David at the inside linebacker position gives Tampa Bay elite speed at the second level of their defense. Specifically, White can help his defense by knifing into the opposing backfield and running stride for stride with opposing receivers in pass coverage.

He’s never going to turn into a double-digit sack guy but that doesn’t mean he’s not a very valuable defensive playmaker. White’s speed covers up mistakes for his teammates. He’s the sort of linebacker whose versatility frees up the defensive linemen playing in front of him to be more aggressive in their pursuit of the opposing quarterback.

Inside linebacker isn’t the most valuable position in the modern NFL which is why White checks in at No. 24 despite being one of the best players in the game at the position. Tampa Bay will be happy to let him quarterback their defense for years to come.