Lovie Smith: 'Lavonte David can emulate Derrick Brooks'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith believes that linebacker Lavonte David can be a player similar to that of nine-time All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Smith, who coached Brooks during his spell at the Buccaneers as linebackers coach, feels that after watching David in his first two seasons in the NFL he can emulate him, after earning his first All-Pro place.

"There's not a lot of players like Derrick Brooks," Smith told ESPN.

"It's not even fair to compare some guys in that way. But, Lavonte David, he has a chance. He's that younger version coming up. I hear he's a great guy."

The 23-year-old had 145 tackles, six sacks and five interceptions in the 2013 season.