How important is Kwon Alexander, the Buccaneers’ rookie playmaker on defense last year?

No, the anecdotal evidence, Tampa Bay losing four straight games to close the season when Kwon was suspended, is not enough.

Bucs general manager Jason Licht talked about Kwon last night and described an inspirational figure.

“What drives Kwon and what makes Kwon special is just his pure love for the game,” Licht said. “I mean, this guy is just like a 7 year old the night before Christmas every day. ‘I get to play football tomorrow.’ He loves the game and it’s infectious.”

Yes, Kwon was infectious last season, a 21-year-old hitter and ball hawk, calling the signals and managing to make plays in Lovie Smith’s defense. Just imagine what happens when he’s coached up to help against slant passes!

Licht talked about how he believes all the rookie impact players last year will make that often-referenced “leap” that second-year guys often achieve.

In Kwon’s case, that would be awfully fun to watch.