Help Likely Coming
June 29th, 2015
Expect additions to the offensive line before the regular season begins.
Rarely does a day go by that Joe isn’t asked about the offensive line. Understandable. It’s a big key to the development of “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston.
The offensive line of the Bucs was no less than a jailbreak last year and, currently, three guys from that line return as starters, maybe four. Also, two rookies are viewed as potential starters; one for sure.
Depth on this line? Depth is Garrett Gilkey, who seems to irritate Bucs fans.
Joe thought of the offensive line while reading a mailbag discussion by Pat Yasinskas of ESPN over the subject of waiver claims.
@PatYazESPN: That’s a great question. The Bucs are in a unique position because they hold the first claim on the waiver wire throughout the offseason and up until the third week of the regular season. They already have been active in that role by claiming D.J. Swearinger and Tim Wright, two guys who should make the team. I’m guessing the Bucs will continue to be active with waiver claims and we could see about five or six more before all is said and done.
It’s more than a guess. Joe is willing to lay cash (not too much) that there will be new faces of offensive linemen on the roster, plucked off waivers, before opening day.
Yes, the Bucs have high hopes for rookies Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. However, there is a reason the Bucs shat the bed last year: Holes all over the lineup and little depth, which was painfully obvious on the offensive line.
The Bucs may not claim a new starter off waivers, but Joe is confident they will add needed depth to the offensive line using their lofty waiver-claim status.
June 29th, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Tampa will get some backup O Linemen off the waiver wire this year. Other teams can only protect so many players, and a decent O Lineman will certainly fall to us.
June 29th, 2015 at 1:33 pm
The sooner the better. The Oline sucked last year.
June 29th, 2015 at 1:38 pm
It speaks volumes that the Bucs still need scrapes and leftovers on this team!!! Garbage picking over players with 3 or less years of play that make this roster is just a Franchise Failure!!!
year 7 and the rebuild continues!!!!
June 29th, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Everybody simply assumes because of the learning curve that our rookies will be the weak links this year. Talent, desire, and youthful bodies also will have something to do with it.
E Smith could end up being the weak link. We really don’t know who will end up starting. Dotson probably a lock…but I’m not sure given the waiver wire, the possible explosion of the rookies, that we don’t have a dramatically different OL for 2015.
June 29th, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Could be???
Next year is his last year with the Bucs (check out what he is owed in 2017). That’s if he comes back next year.
Jason Licht has already dropped more than one not-so-subtle hint that Ali Marpet can play center.
June 29th, 2015 at 1:47 pm
The “Warthogs” will get it done in 2015. Hungry mouths depend on it.
June 29th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Absolutely. Need some experienced O lineman (or two) for depth. Perhaps versatile vets too, to back up a couple of spots. Or start. The Bucs’ biggest need. Being first on the waiver wire is a great advantage.
June 29th, 2015 at 2:11 pm
@casual observer
wavier wire only applies to 3 years on a team roster or less scrapes from other teams!!!
June 29th, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Any thought on the supplemental draft coming up? Clemson’s LT Isaiah Battle could be had in the latter rounds. Had (speeding ticket w/ pot in the car and punched a player during a game) character concerns but was a really good OT from what I read on him.
The team(s) to watch for in waiver wire that are likely to release starting caliber OL Tackles are the teams that have their starters in contract years and drafted Tackles early this year. The Bangals are the best example because they have both of their starting Tackles in contact years and they drafted a OT in 1st round.
June 29th, 2015 at 2:28 pm
@Stanglassman
STAN!!!! MORE BENGAL PLAYERS!?!?!?! REALLY!?!?!?!
June 29th, 2015 at 2:38 pm
If Gilkey makes into any game…We’re in trouble!
June 29th, 2015 at 3:08 pm
OL help isn’t found on the freakin waiver wire. Sorry to rain on the parade here.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Lots of O-linemen were drafted in this last draft. Which could lead to some okay to decent linemen to be cut because of salary reasons.Probably won’t be a dude that’s 3 years or under though. If it is, more than likely they will suck.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:16 pm
OL help isn’t found on the freakin waiver wire. Sorry to rain on the parade here.
————————–
Donald Penn says hello.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:16 pm
Meant to also add, that whoever they pick up. Can they be as bad as what we had last year? I suppose, but I doubt it.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:21 pm
There are always quality backup-types who get let go at cuts. A backup C/G with starting experience will be available from somewhere.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Paul McQuistan would make some sense right now as a G/T.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:25 pm
Historically the waiver wire doesn’t add much production to the active roster. In the past 3 years i think ww picks have played like 22 games total and 1 played 12 games for the chief. Don’t hold your breathe.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:25 pm
The Oline must improve. Plain and simple
June 29th, 2015 at 3:27 pm
The Bucs were backed up to the bottom last year. Bringing in bounteous backups to the backed up Bucs should be Buccing boggling, at least I hope so.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:30 pm
We’re so thin (right now) any injury will directly affect our record.
June 29th, 2015 at 3:48 pm
From the free agent pool.
FYI, waiver wire guys are young guys. Veterans cut with three or more years vested are not eligible for waivers, they are free agents. Can sign with whoever they want.
Only if a guy cut under three years vested is eligible for free agency is if every team passes on claiming him off of waivers.
June 29th, 2015 at 5:32 pm
From the free agent pool.
———–
I meant the first time… when Tampa signed him after he was cut in Minnesota.
June 29th, 2015 at 6:17 pm
I have been saying for months that we will pick up a good OL and DE during Pre Season or thereabouts. It is gonna happen.
And I find it funny that there are so many fans here that view every signing as a “waste” and “why didn’t they do more?” Waaaaaaaaaaahhh. is all it sounds like to me. I was at the first home game in ’76 and I didn’t miss a home game for 20 years. I sat through FOURTEEN Straight Losing seasons. We have ALOT to be happy about right now vs last yr. Are we ready for another SB? NO. But we are a few pieces closer so why be such a negative Nancy. ?
June 29th, 2015 at 6:29 pm
@ Buc-A-New
I was there with you….76 season ticket holder. Flew in programs…threw a party. for the LA Rams 1st preseason (away) game
I would be happy to have another team’s castaways if they are better than the bottom of our roster….there is no shame in that at all. If we can improve, and we can, we should do it.
The constant negative posters who consistantly denegrate our team can kiss my a$$.
June 29th, 2015 at 6:38 pm
Amen TBBF. And that is among the most animated post Ive seen from you in a while. 🙂 I was 9 when my dad purchased season tickets and by the time I was 16 he gave me all four tickets every sunday. Lol. I always took my buddies. He sold the tix in 96 while I was living out of the state and he wasn’t going anymore. I have never let him live down the fact of selling the tickets when we hired Dungy
June 29th, 2015 at 6:40 pm
79- I hope you’re kidding.
The Bengals drafted Oqbuehi with their 1st pick and Jake Fisher with the 2nd. Their OL ranked 7th in the league last year. Look for Andre Smith or Andrew Whitworth to be cut because the Bengals are loaded with good OL and they are trying to get younger/cheaper players.
June 29th, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Damn Stan. Thanks for the knowledge. I wish we had the 7th ranked OL……..Dreams……….Sweet Dreams.
June 29th, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Oddly enough I’ve been trying to be positive all summer. You should read what I don’t post.
Here’s the deal unlike you guys I grew up watching the bills make it to 4 SB. The Giants win SB and when I came here in 94 we sucked BUT started building a winning team. I’m sorry I didn’t get to sit throw 20 years of buc ball. If that makes a pseudo fan so be it. That may be why it’s difficult for me to watch the team lose so much. What irks me the most is how the fans can so easily accept losing.
What you call negativity others call reality. And when the “negative posters” are right more times than not it hard to critize them. Go ahead it’s been weeks since we had a good argument, go for yours. All love in the end.
June 29th, 2015 at 7:40 pm
When I moved down to Florida from Mass in 87, I never heard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No lie. Course I was only just beginning to watch football. It was Celtics and Red Sox for me. No Pats.
That’s sucky this team was. So sucky I never knew Tampa had a team.
June 29th, 2015 at 7:52 pm
The pats weren’t that great then either. Lol
June 29th, 2015 at 7:55 pm
I knew about the bucs from football follies. Plus every highlight reel seemed to have the bucs as the “other team”, chit they still do. Lmao
June 29th, 2015 at 8:34 pm
@WS99
Sure….the negatives are usually true but many are simply negative predictions so not yet true…but there are many opportunities for positives….the posters I’m talking about are virtually 100% negative…..very, very difficult to find a positive post.
This article is a great example….instead of hoping we have an opportunity to improve….several simply whine about leftovers/dumpster-diving….scraps. I choose to remain hopeful we have a shot at a good player or two.
I hope you enjoy the negative posts because there will be plenty coming every day.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:02 pm
Joe,
I know this has been brought up before but I have to say something. You have got to get an app. I guarantee the majority of your customers are on mobile phones or pads. I constantly look at your site from my phone and can’t take it anymore. It constantly resets, brings up the app store, changes pages on you, takes forever to load, etc….
It is extremely frustrating.
PLEASE get an APP
June 29th, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Tbbf
We got wright off the ww that will most likely net us above avg production. I think some people (myself included until I learned what the ww was all about) think it’s going to get us a strong oline. I hope it does but realistically it’s a stretch.
The negative posts got on my nerves pre-draft bc it was all non-sense made up bs but “the realist” is usually right so I can’t really knock him or anyone else the spits the truth. Heck even joe lays the smack down on people when it’s appropriate ie his opening for every Winston article “crab stealing….”
June 29th, 2015 at 9:20 pm
David
But the uber girl is fine as all get out. #silverlinings
June 29th, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Hey DB…..I never even had you in any corner of my mind when I made my post. I consider you to be THE most levelheaded Winston supporter here. You have never wavered from your stance on Winston. Never gloated when we drafted him and have called Winstonites out on there stance that he is our savior. I don’t care how long you’ve been a fan. Since Ive been on this site you have always been a true fan
June 29th, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Ahhh Winter in Montana with a Black Lab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANO2k78d1i0&feature=youtu.be
June 29th, 2015 at 9:39 pm
That’s awesome bro. There aren’t too many things better in this world than a 4 yr olds laughter. God bless.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:40 pm
I don’t have a problem with Joe’s negative slants because he has plenty of positive articles and at least relies on hope like most of us Buc fans have to do.
I do get a bit tired of the continual whine about Michael Bennett….but it’s starting to amuse me.
The first shot on the waiver wire means the greatest opportunity the Bucs have had in years to improve the bottom part of their roster.
There absolutely must be some players better than some of our “bubble” players.
I’m looking for improvement at Oline, DE, S.
We should see substantial improvement with our special teams this year….the WW will help.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:41 pm
I’ve been saying all along, when Whitworth gets cut we need to swoop in. Protect Winston at all costs!
June 29th, 2015 at 9:42 pm
LOL thanks DB that was two yrs ago. I am just kinda stoned and going though some folders. 🙂
June 29th, 2015 at 9:42 pm
Buc
It’s all good you already know that but you also know there are some on here that truly believe that unless you’ve had season tix since 76 you’re not a real fan. My neighbors would beg to differ.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:44 pm
Lol. You need to stop talking to 87. Before you know it you’ll be spending $1500 a week on dank. Focus man focus lol jk.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:45 pm
I think all we really need is DE and OL TBBF. Safety is not needed as much if we have decent OL play to give the D some rest. I fully believe we are going to be an 8 and 8 team Minimum. Better if the OL is in the top half of the league.
June 29th, 2015 at 9:46 pm
I have a “Green Card” so I Legally pay $180 an Ounce for the best weed on the Planet. Sorry bro. Not to rub it in or anything
June 29th, 2015 at 9:50 pm
David- same problems here. Love the site- but getting hard to view
June 29th, 2015 at 9:56 pm
Tbbf
I think it’s already helped. Tim Wright will be a valuable weapon, mark my words. Now, ponder if you will gmc lining up at DE. I mentioned this yesterday and Hawaii said he may not have the body for de which I agree he doesn’t but he’s our best passrusher and if JJ can play both why can’t we TRY it with gmc?
June 29th, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Damn, Buc A New! I never liked weed much! It always made me feel like I was gonna puke! Love my Beer though!!! Lol
June 29th, 2015 at 9:59 pm
Buc
I got a feeling Pablo going to chime in about the green card. Did somebody say green card ese? orale bato
June 29th, 2015 at 10:00 pm
WS99, I think 2 TE sets with Tim and ASJ will be deadly!
June 29th, 2015 at 10:10 pm
ROTFLMMFAO DB. Thanks for the laugh late on a Mon. evening.
June 29th, 2015 at 10:11 pm
Dude goalline is ridiculous! Almost impossible NOT to score!
June 29th, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Mañana ese
June 29th, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Hasta luego.
June 29th, 2015 at 10:28 pm
David:
Those things are very expensive and currently not a good business model for Joe.
June 29th, 2015 at 10:47 pm
WS99, as long as we can get down to the goal line!!! Lol
June 30th, 2015 at 1:02 am
There will absolutely be a few players cut that are better than the bottom of our roster. Every year most teams have at least 1 or 2 young guys that they really like from a potential standpoint- but can’t spare a roster spot for – so they take the risk and cut them at final cut downs and hope they will clear wavers so they can try to sneak them onto the practice squad. There will be at least a handful that will be better players than the bottom 5 on our roster when final cut downs come.
I believe the Bucs will be very active with bringing some cut guys in for a look see the 1st 2-3 weeks of the season.
June 30th, 2015 at 1:49 am
With all these comments and hate for Gilkey he will end up being the next Leonard “never did anything ” Johnson staying forever somehow there to f up the game.
June 30th, 2015 at 3:00 am
Real simple, none of you are coaches, and your comments are laughable.
Signed,
MG
June 30th, 2015 at 7:40 am
Depth means “DEPTH” and not starter quality. It might be our year to pick up a miracle older or oft-injured OL that makes it to Sports Center as the player of the year. But, in the mean time I’m more excited about an OC that has demonstrated the ability to find a way through mobility options and quick hitting plays to buy time for Jameis.
What is often overlooked in our fans quest to build a brick wall around Jameis is a lot of the great PFF OL grades are due to the game plans calling for quick hitters and the ability of the QB to buy himself time through “useful” mobility. All the great QB’s have had to deal with less that stellar pass blocking and step up and around the hash in the pocket.
The success of those quick hitting plays often leads to the ability to go deep with success. Thus, draw plays, screens etc, that entice the D to stack the box open up the wings deep. But, sadly, without speed on the wings it’s a house of cards. i read somewhere that VJ, because of his lack of deep speed, may see a lot of time at WR3/Slot. Sounds good to me.
I suspect that Koetter is a pretty good game manager and chess player. His ability to get the best out of his oft-injured OL starters in Atlanta last season is very encouraging. What’s more encouraging is that we have better players, IMHO, at the skill positions than Koetter worked with last year.
ATC, I’m looking forward to seeing Koetter get the very best out of the players on offense. I suspect that we’ll dramatically improve our scoring average (17ppg) over last season by a minimum of 10ppg. That should be enough to allow the Cover-2 to get the job done and minimize scoring by the opposition.
Based on our schedule, I predict a 9-7 RS and a possible playoff berth.