Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2018 Contract Year: Kwon Alexander Published by on

Li-Ti-Rilla!

After three short seasons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ middle linebacker Kwon Alexander, has established himself as the emotional leader of the defense.

This past season, Alexander was awarded a trip to the Pro Bowl for his stellar play at middle linebacker. Alexander is going on his 4th year in the league, which is the last year of his rookie deal. Kwon Alexander’s 2018 season is now a contract year!

Alexander stepped in from day one as the starting middle backer for the Buccaneers. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 4th round with the 124th pick, expectations for him was to secure a spot on the roster.

At the start of training camp, it became immediately apparent Alexander was going to be an outstanding player in the NFL. Gaining praise for his play and retention of the playbook, Alexander came out of training camp as the opening day starter at middle linebacker, beating out Bruce Carter who was picked up from the Dallas Cowboys to start at middle linebacker.

Let’s have a look at Alexander’s career numbers via Pro Football Reference:

Defense & Fumbles

Games Def Interceptions Fumbles Sacks & Tackles Year Age Tm Pos No. G GS Int Yds TD Lng PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD Sk Tkl Ast 2015 21 TAM MLB 58 12 12 2 15 0 15 9 2 0 1 20 0 3.0 59 34 2016 22 TAM MLB 58 16 16 1 38 1 38 7 1 0 1 4 0 3.0 108 37 2017* 23 TAM MLB 58 12 12 3 70 0 28 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 70 27 Career 40 40 6 123 1 38 20 4 0 2 24 0 6.0 237 98

* Selected to Pro Bowl

Alexander played all sixteen games his sophomore year. Registering three sacks, one interception, and notching 108 tackles. In his first and third year, he missed 8 games due to a substance abuse suspension and injury.

Alexander has had numerous standout plays throughout his career thus far. One that comes to mind was the run down and strip of the Atlanta Falcons wide out Julio Jones.

Julio is a 4.3 speed receiver and the hustle and determination Alexander displayed was extraordinary. Not only that, Alexander dedicated the game to his late younger brother, Broderick Taylor, who passed away a few days prior to the game.

As a leader of the Buccaneers’ defense, I expect Alexander to make himself a household name at middle linebacker. Alexander has the ability to become one of the best, if not the best middle linebacker in the game. My 2018 season stats prediction for Alexander are 125 Tackles, three interceptions, three Sacks, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown. After this season, there is no way he receives his second NFL contract anywhere else but Tampa!

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