The Top 100 spectacle kicks off training camps across the NFL. In a rev-up reveal, NFL Network will announce the rundown of players featured in this year's esteemed Top 100 List of 2024. Among the compilation, Bucs' inside linebacker Lavonte David landed at No. 99 and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs came in at No. 85 in the group ranked 81 through 100.
Last season, David was the lone player in the NFL with 100-plus tackles, 15-plus tackles for loss and 3.0-plus sacks. Since 2000, David's 10 seasons with 100-plus tackles are the third-most in the league, trailing only London Fletcher and Bobby Wagner. David's 17 tackles for loss are the second-most recorded in a single season by a player age 33 or older since data became available in 2008, behind only J.J. Watt's 18 in 2022. The ageless wonder's four career seasons with 100-plus tackles and 15-plus tackles for loss are the most in the NFL since tackle for loss data became cataloged in 2008.
David is the heart and soul of the Bucs' defense, setting the standard of excellence in Tampa Bay. The zone-buster and screen-sniffer is regarded as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL over the last decade by his peers. David's instincts are second to none, as are his coverage skills against tight ends. With textbook tackling and fluid footwork, David makes splash plays from sideline to sideline.
In 2023, Wirfs totaled 1,233 offensive snaps, including the postseason, and per Pro Football Focus (PFF) metrics, he gave up just five sacks and six quarterback hits over 19 games played in his first season after making the transition from right to left tackle. Among all tackles with 850-or-more pass-blocking snaps in 2023, Wirfs ranked fourth with an 84.3 pass-blocking grade and sixth with an 81.1 overall offensive grade. Over the previous four seasons since Wirfs was drafted, the Buccaneers lead the NFL in fewest sacks allowed per pass attempt (3.8%), in addition to allowing the second-fewest total sacks (107) and the second-fewest quarterback hits (293) during that span.
Wirfs made the position shift look seamless, playing at an All-Pro caliber level on the left side of the formation. He helped anchor the O-Line with freak athleticism and explosive drive blocks. With rare core strength and outstanding quickness out of his stance, Wirfs solidifies Tampa Bay's offensive line.
Both of their prolific careers are worth recognition of great acclaim.
