TAMPA — In Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander, the Bucs have two young linebackers who never come off the field when healthy, key parts of Tampa Bay's defense for the present and future.
The Bucs' third linebacker spot is something of a part-time job, as the strongside linebacker comes off the field when Tampa Bay goes to its nickel defense, which means he's playing only about 35 percent of the defensive snaps.
As such, even when the job is wide open, as it is right now with veteran Daryl Smith not re-signed from last season, it's not necessarily an urgent draft need.