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Lavonte David moves up to first-string linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

May 15, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) works out during organized team activities at One Buc.   Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
May 15, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) works out during organized team activities at One Buc. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had Lavonte David working out with the first-team linebackers this week, as the Bucs continue their offseason workouts, according to Stephen Holder. Rennie Curran lined up as the starting weakside linebacker in previous practices. Lavonte David downplayed the move in comments to JoeBucsFan, but it's likely to be a permanent change. David was a second-round pick and was highly touted by the Bucs when they moved up to draft him earlier this year.

Moreover, the rookie linebacker should be a good scheme fit, and his versatility against both the pass and the run should earn him a lot of playing time on passing downs. The Bucs struggled with the coverage of their linebackers last year, and David should help solve that problem - to an extent. David should be a core defender for the Buccaneers, who are still working out the exact composition of their linebacking corps. While the team has a lot of players at the position, they don't have many immediate, high-level starters.