Rookies Were George Warhop’s Top Choices
August 13th, 2015
Bucs rookie left tackle Donovan Smith
Based on the offensive line performance last season, especially the efforts of newcomers Anthony Collins and Evan Dietrich Smith, as well as Browns rejects Oniel Cousins and Garrett Gilkey, many Bucs fans used O-line coach George Warhop as a verbal punching bag.
Fans saw the weak effort and disorganization, and wagged a finger of blame at the veteran coach, who was once the choice of Bill Parcells in Dallas.
“How could Warhop be any good and produce a unit like that?” these fans cried. And they moaned about how Warhop must have brought Cousins and Gilkey with him from Cleveland, where he coached in 2013. Then, these same Bucs fans shrieked when Warhop returned for this season.
Well, Warhop isn’t just back. He had a heavy hand in drafting Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet in the second round. That was the word from urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of NBC Sports and Sports Illustrated fame.
King joined WDAE-AM 620 this morning to talk all things NFL and a few things Bucs.
During his exclusive access at One Buc Palace last week, King said he learned that Warhop, realizing that the Bucs would not draft an offensive lineman at No. 1 overall, marched up to Lovie Smith and Jason Licht and said he wanted Smith and Marpet more than any others in the draft pool.
King added that Logan Mankins realizes he has been charged not only with “protecting the franchise” himself, but getting Donovan Smith and Marpet ready to do the same immediately. King believes Smith will start at left tackle and Marpet is a likely starter at guard.
It’s interesting to note that Warhop got his guys, like he presumably did last year. The Bucs’ O-line — and its coach — has no more excuses. The stakes are too high. There must be significant improvement.
The task of preserving Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, simply can’t just rely on the creativity of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. (You can hear all of King’s interesting chat via the 620wdae.com audio player below.)
August 13th, 2015 at 5:11 pm
I don’t buy it. There is no way for him to know prior to the draft that Smith would fall to the Bucs at 2. Maybe those two were high on his list but I’m sure there were quite a few other names on that list as well.
Who here thinks the Bucs moved up to get Ali from the Seahawks or got scooped by Dallas trying to get Gregory. Settling for the next G on the board Marpet?
August 13th, 2015 at 5:14 pm
isn’t america’s quarterback in court? jameis christ has to prove something first.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:17 pm
“How could Warhop be any good and produce a unit like that?” these fans cried.
the fans cried? so your saying you werent critical of warhop at all? because as i remember you had plenty to say about him as well but im sure it just slipped your mind in this post. i think like warhop a lot of position coaches have a player in mind they would like to draft. warhop cant be the only to walk into the head coaches office and say he wants specific guys unless he knows about them or is this why the draft a crap shoot lol
August 13th, 2015 at 5:31 pm
Oh they were after Marpet. That was no accident. Lots of teams wanted Marpet but thought he would be available in the third. Ali was a steal.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:36 pm
“That was the word from urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of NBC Sports and Sports Illustrated fame.”
Time to stop this nickname crap, Joe. It’s juvenile and detracts from your thoughts.
August 13th, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Are you telling me that the same Warhop who chose Cousins and Gilkey from Cleveland and the infamous Collins asked for and got our two 2nd round picks? Based on his record, we are doomed!
August 13th, 2015 at 5:46 pm
I think Bobby is right…Marpet was definitely on alot of teams boards…but they all probably thought they would be geniuses, and move up in the 3rd to get him. Had he slipped to the 4th, everyone would have been on him. NO ONE expected someone to grab the Div. 3 guy in the 2nd, and that is why this move may prove to be the biggest move of the draft (other than the obvious pick of Jameis Christ).
August 13th, 2015 at 5:49 pm
was he influential in drafting bitonino, or joe thomas?////that would be quite the redemption from last year
August 13th, 2015 at 5:50 pm
@bucs4lyfe – You are reading things here that Joe did not write. Why be so negative. Of course Joe was among those down on Warhop. Have a cocktail.
August 13th, 2015 at 6:06 pm
While the O-line sucked last year….I keep saying that not having an OC had a HUUUUUUUGGGGGE Impat Tampa HUUUEUUGGGGGEEEEE……
Sorry there is that Kia commercial again.
Anyway, Dirk Koetter put out an offense last year with arguably a worse line that Tampa and made Harry Douglas look like Wes Welker. Just having him ALONE would have made this team 6-10 last year with Josh McCown at QB. Add in the additions on both sides of the ball I see a 7-9 worst case scenario for this teams record. This will be a good year of football as long as no serious injuries…
August 13th, 2015 at 6:20 pm
Warhop has produced some terrible offensive line play, over the past ten years.
Offensive Line Coach George Warhop
*(Annual Sack Totals 2005-2014)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• (2014) – 52
Cleveland Browns
• (2013) – 49
• (2012) – 36
• (2011) – 39
• (2010) – 36
• (2009) – 30
San Francisco 49ers
• (2008) – 55
• (2007) – 55
• (2006) – 35
• (2005) – 48
August 13th, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Offensive Coordinators that – Warhop has worked with from…
(2005-2014)
Offensive Coordinator:
• Brian Daboll
• Pat Shurmur
• Brad Childress
• Norv Turner
• Rob Chudzinski
• Mike McCarthy
• Mike Martz
August 13th, 2015 at 6:46 pm
I trust Koetter, if he kept him, then last year must not have been Warhop’s fault.
August 13th, 2015 at 6:51 pm
Bobby Says
“Oh they were after Marpet. That was no accident. Lots of teams wanted Marpet but thought he would be available in the third. Ali was a steal.”
DING!
Not many here mentioned him…before the draft…I did. He was on my wishlist. So was Bell. And Winston, though he was my second choice at QB.
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2015/04/bucs-players-wanted-jameis/#comment-3555436
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2015/04/temper-expectations-for-johnson/#comment-3550192
August 13th, 2015 at 6:56 pm
@LUV
I was surprised that they kept him. That said, I’m hoping the combination of bad players and a horrible QB contributed to the problems last year.
I still think Marpet should and eventually WILL move to center.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Warhops choices were logical now that I think about it…
He realized Smith was leaving as an underclassman who was a future first rounder had he waited, so now he gets to watch him grow and develop, In two years this kid will be a beast! Marpet had no real experience beyond the Sr Bowl, yet his potential was roaring. Not to forget he went to a small school and studied,,..he is smart. He was known for his strength, now just think how he will progress with an NFL trainer…Im starting to drool !!
These guys were the logical targets for round two as they potentially could have super hi ceilings and be a foundation for the O line for many years.
The same logic should be applied in next years draft .1D End, 2 Two more Olinemen, defense for the bulk of the rest, unless an offensive overlooked player has slipped…Same concept as this year just opposite…Great for a draft plan
August 13th, 2015 at 7:11 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Yeah I was surprised they kept him to. His backs against the ropes – if he can’t produce this year. I seriously doubt he’ll, get another gig in the league.
As for Marpet, he’s a good prospect at center. I just felt Jon Miller was more Pro Ready guard.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:15 pm
I still dont like Warhop. Lets see how our line does this year. I think we will be better with our new draft choices from last year and this year. I just hope Marpet starts over Gilkey.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:17 pm
I’m sorry but I find the term Jameis Christ offensive. This is the place for it.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:18 pm
sorry “isn’t the place for it”
August 13th, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Stanglassman, teams don’t trade without knowing thier guys is still on the board. Dallas already picked Gregory before we traded. The NFL teams know who the teams before them picked even if the TV audience is a little behind and doesn’t know. This happens in the draft every year and the announcers always say that the teams are informed of the picks even if the TV audience hasn’t been told by Goodell or whoever the team has announce the 2nd round picks.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Hopefully we sign Evan Mathis or trade for Alex Boone (or acquire both)
August 13th, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Trust me, NE was about to pounce on Marpet.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:34 pm
Good statz Luvmybucs. I like it when someone backs their arguement with hard facts. Still, I agree with Kevin and belive the disaster last year was pretty much the cause of an inexperienced OC who was in way over his head.
Besides, alot of different factors figure into those sack totals.
August 13th, 2015 at 7:35 pm
MadMax
Whats Up Guy?
If there’s anybody around here – that was bragging about Marpet – from day one….It was U brotha..lol
August 13th, 2015 at 7:41 pm
@drdneast
Thank U brotha, and I agree to a certain degree as well (concerning Kev’s comment)
But I’ve witnessed, interim coordinators paired up w/decent Off/Def line coaches. An I can’t ever recall, the results looking that bad.
August 13th, 2015 at 8:25 pm
I’m not sure who the color guy is for the Browns-skins game but it sounds just like Lee. Also, McCown is carving up the redskins again. Looks like he has their number. Let’s see if this is the only game he wins again this year
August 13th, 2015 at 8:33 pm
I find it hard to believe that Lovie would listen to Warhop at all. I have to think with the shi! He brought in last year and the crappy coaching he did he probably hid in his office and walked with his head down. Lovie probably forgot he was on the staff. Otherwise Lovie would have fired him. Once OTA’s started and Warhop emerged from hiding Lovie said what the hell Kowter needs a secretary.
August 13th, 2015 at 9:26 pm
I agree, but I think they said Arroyo had never called plays on any level….ever. That I imagine made a huge difference. The defense was just horrible to start the season….got a little better toward the end. I think the additions on D are going ro be crucial for the turnaround. I think even with all of the excitment around Winson….I am most intrigued to see how our defense does right out of the gate. I expect the offense to have a few mis fires early and get better as the year goes. Hopefully lovie gets the pass rush we are all hoping for…
August 13th, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Warhop is the guy you hire when no other respected OL coach wants to work for you. He has ZERO reason to still be coaching for the Bucs or any other NFL team. That Lovie Smith and/or Dirk Koetter saw fit to keep him is astounding. The man’s offensive lines are a damned joke. Bucs fans shouldn’t expect much this year for improved blocking.
Warhop IS WHY they signed Gilkey AND Cousins. He’s why both found their way into the lineup. They’re both from Cleveland from his time there and he wanted them here. Any guy who thinks those two are a good fit doesn’t deserve to coach, period.
August 13th, 2015 at 11:28 pm
WarFLOP got to keep his job because Koetter knew him from his previous experience and wanted someone he could work with. He should have walked the plank otherwise. Bostad right out of college was ten times the OL Coach than WarFLOP. However, what will save our OL this year is the special training our linemen have gotten from Logan Mankins. The minute Mankins retires we need to hire him as our OL Coach! The sack totals everywhere WarFLOP has been tells the tale on WarFLOP. He was so poor he was fired in mid season by the 49ers! What does that tell you?
August 13th, 2015 at 11:30 pm
I don’t believe that George Warhop is a bad O-Line coach. I’m more inclined to believe that Tampa and Cleveland has had some terrible QBs and OCs. He’s not the best O-Line coach, but he’s not the worst either. Last season the Bucs got rid of 4 starters on the O-Line, and tried to patch up a line. That don’t work in the NFL, this season will be all on him. He has a full offseason to work with the O-Line, and if they don’t pan out. Then we can say he did a poor job of coaching, let’s wait and see before we pass judgement.
August 14th, 2015 at 8:49 am
With no offensive coordinator I can give Warhop a pass for 2014. Dirk coordinated a top 10 offense with a bad line in ATL lets see him duplicate that
August 14th, 2015 at 2:58 pm
All the internet draft experts hate Donovan Smith so it makes perfect sense that the Warhop buffoon targeted him above all else. I’m sure Gilkey will start over both these picks anyway as he sets new records for worst-rated player in PFF history.
August 14th, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Larry,
Go join PC Fan.com