Lavonte David
LB, Nebraska · 2012 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #58 (TAM)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, position, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 215 of ~229 possible regular-season games from 2012 through 2025 (~94%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #36 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#58). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Nebraska: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.57 40-yard dash at 233 lbs: faster than 78% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 215 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 14 |
| Pro Bowls | 1 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 93 |
| Defense | 1172 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 14 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
The 2012 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2012 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 233 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.57 s |
| Bench press | 19 reps |
| Vertical | 36.5" |
| Broad jump | 119" |
| 3-cone | 7.28 s |
| Shuttle | 4.22 s |
| Arm / hand | 31.6" / 8.6" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #36 overall (#2 LB) |
Picked around him 2012 redraft
| 55 | Peter Konz | redraft #93 |
| 56 | Mike Adams | redraft #109 |
| 57 | Brock Osweiler | redraft #100 |
| 59 | Vinny Curry | redraft #74 |
| 60 | Kelechi Osemele | redraft #35 |
| 61 | LaMichael James | redraft #178 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.