Splitting the outside and inside linebackers was necessary to include all the great players the Bucs have had at the position and for the basis of this all-time roster, there are four defensive line positions, four linebackers positions and four also in the defensive secondary. The two starters inside are pretty much no-doubters, one of whom deserves to be in the Ring of Honor and the other most definitely will be one day. The two back-ups are also truly deserving from their contributions over many Buccaneer seasons. STARTER - ILB - HARDY NICKERSON One of the best free agency signings in franchise history. Arrived in Tampa in 1993 and immediately set the tone for the defense and franchise as a whole. Played seven seasons with the Buccaneers and made four Pro Bowls racking up huge tackle totals over each year. The fact he is not yet in the Ring of Honor is an absolute travesty. STARTER - ILB - LAVONTE DAVID 13 stunning seasons with the Buccaneers and shamefully ignored from multiple Pro Bowl appearances despite stellar performances in all aspects of his defensive game. Just short of 200 starts for the franchise and second all-time in tackles. Also second to Shaq Barrett in sacks for a Tampa Bay linebacker. BACK-UP - ILB - RICHARD WOOD One of the key members of the early great Buccaneer defenses and a real tackling machine in the 3-4 alignment that the team used in those years. Became well-known around the NFL for putting Batman logos on his pads for notoriety. Started nearly 100 games for the Bucs and played the first nine years of the franchise. BACK-UP - ILB - SHELTON QUARLES Arrived in Tampa in 1997 from the Canadian League and took over the middle linebacker position playing that pivotal role in the Tampa-2 defense for seven straight seasons. Started 113 games for the Bucs and recorded over 1,000 tackles before moving on to a front office role with the franchise. HONORABLE MENTIONS Jeff Davis and Scot Brantley toiled during some of the worst years in Buc history whilst Devin White had one stellar season and then saw his performance drop off a cliff. Barrett Ruud holds the team record for tackles eight yards downfield but never came close to challenging any of the four players on our all-time roster.