It’s no secret that undrafted rookie inside linebacker Karen DeLoach, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs about 210 pounds, is a bit undersized for the position. But despite his small size, DeLoach still packs a punch and has impressed teams throughout the offseason.
The former Florida State linebacker, who is looking to make the team and showcase his skills in the coming months, recently got quite the endorsement from Lavonte David during the Buccaneers’ mandatory minicamp.
Lavonte David on Cullen DeLoach: “He’s an undersized linebacker. That’s what I like about him.”
![Lavonte David speaks highly of the Buccaneers 2LB Lavonte David](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/rsz_1usatsi_22303687-1-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers ILB Lavonte David – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Lavonte David may be small at 6’1″ and weighs 233 pounds, but he has made the most of his size and has had a long and distinguished career as one of the best inside linebackers of his generation.
How could David endure?
For him, it’s rather simple: If you can run and hit, you’re going to be a linebacker in the league for a long time, and at 34, he’s solid proof that you can have a productive career even if you’re “small.”
The veteran linebacker sees Cullen DeLoach as more than capable of playing a similar role and appreciates that his size hasn’t hindered him as a playmaker.
Karen DeLoach shows off her talents during Buccaneers offseason practice
![Lavonte David speaks highly of the Buccaneers 2LB Cullen DeLoch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DeLoach-Kalen-Jayden-Daniels-FSU-LSU-sack-300x201.jpg)
![Lavonte David speaks highly of the Buccaneers 2LB Cullen DeLoch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DeLoach-Kalen-Jayden-Daniels-FSU-LSU-sack-300x201.jpg)
Buccaneers ILB Cullen DeLoach and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Karen DeLoach was often seen running and hitting during her time with the Seminoles, especially in her final season with the team. Playing in 13 games as a fifth-year senior, DeLoach recorded 68 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Not only did he put up quality numbers, he lit up the stopwatch at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. DeLoach has the size and speed to be built more like a safety than an inside linebacker, but he’s shown the ability to hold his own at the position and has the versatility that head coach Todd Bowles looks for in his players.
So it’s not too surprising that he was one of the first undrafted free agents Tampa Bay signed after the 2024 NFL Draft. With running back Sean Tucker, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett and outside linebacker Marquise Watts on the roster throughout last season, the Buccaneers showed they’re not afraid to keep undrafted players and give them a chance on the field.
Looking at DeLoach, he was already It has received considerable praise nationwide for its potential impact. He could have done that right away, and the impact was felt throughout the Buccaneers’ offseason practice sessions.
![Lavonte David speaks highly of the Buccaneers 2LB Cullen DeLoch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DeLoach-Kalen-Bucs-rookie-mini-camp-look-300x200.jpg)
![Lavonte David speaks highly of the Buccaneers 2LB Cullen DeLoch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DeLoach-Kalen-Bucs-rookie-mini-camp-look-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers ILB Karen DeLoach – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
In the final week of OTAs, he came off the edge to get a quarterback sack and showed off his blitz prowess, and during mandatory minicamp he intercepted a couple of passes and showed above-average coverage ability overall.
DeLoach will need to continue to have those kinds of moments to make the 53-man roster, which would require him to likely beat out JJ Russell to become the fourth inside linebacker behind David, KJ Britt and Servosia Dennis, and not only would he need to be talented at the position, he would also need to thrive on special teams and learn the ropes of the job across the defense, possibly in the secondary as well.
It will become clear just how ready Karen DeLoach is to make an NFL roster once he puts on the pads for training camp next month, but for now, he’s coming in with some very positive momentum and high praise from one of the best linebackers in Buccaneers history.