O-Line Not A Problem
March 5th, 2016
“It’s alright, Ali. I’ve got your back, bro.”
Joe is starting to think people write negatively about the offensive line of the Bucs because it is a knee-jerk reaction.
NFL offensive lines general wreak, but not the Bucs’.
Mind you, the Bucs started two rookies and two guys dragged off the street in August and September. They not only blocked for the No. 2 running back in the NFL, but allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL while protecting a rookie quarterback.
So Joe isn’t sure why Mike DiRocco of BSPN believes a free agent priority for the Bucs is the interior line. Yet, he writes about the need for an upgrade there.
Join the crowd pursuing Kelechi Osemele: The Bucs need to upgrade the interior of the offensive line, and Osemele is one of the top young linemen available. He’s a road grader but impressively athletic, too, and can play guard or tackle. Osemele might be out of the Bucs’ price range, but, if they’re not able to get help in the secondary or in the pass rush, he should be an option.
Not sure where this “need” is. Joe Hawley may not be an All-Pro, but he’s the best center the Bucs have had since, well, Jeremy Zuttah (oh, wait!).
When Logan Mankins retires he will be replaced by Kevin Pamphile, who played damned well in one start and in part-time play last year.
Surely DiRocco isn’t of the mind that the Bucs should bench Ali Marpet? If so, that’s crazy talk.
Yes, the Bucs have plenty of holes, mostly on defense. Interior offensive line isn’t one of them.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:08 am
Exactly Joe. DE, CB, S, even W/R, but O Line? Maybe if they feel they have a stud at R they can not turn down, maybe
March 5th, 2016 at 8:10 am
Reek, I believe. Wreak like wreak havoc?
Also. Pamphile is best suited as a super-do it all sub. Osemele would be an amazing upgrade. And provide excellent depth. They should pursue him, but don’t go crazy.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Marpet is not getting benched. That’s a silly straw man. I’m sure the writer was more concerned about a declining LG or a former RT/LT playing 16 games there…. That’s not inspiring confidence.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:18 am
Mankins needs to decide….I think he will stay……but if he doesn’t, we definately need help and we will have plenty of money to spend on it.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:19 am
Right tackle Schwartz should be pursued. Stud
March 5th, 2016 at 8:20 am
Not sure I agree Joe’s. Don’t like Evan Smith as a backup guard. Pamphile has minimal playing time, but, is promising. What else is there to choose from ??
March 5th, 2016 at 8:21 am
Pamphile is great to have around for solid depth but he’s not the answer if/when Mankins is done. Bringing in a guy that can start at LG and possibly even at RT if needed would be brilliant considering we finally have a franchise QB and we need to keep him upright as much as possible.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:24 am
Right tackle schraeder from Falcons. Stud. And he knows koetter system. That would be perfect fit.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:36 am
Pamphile may very well be the next Zuttah, and that’s awesome! Having a versatile, swing lineman is more than just a luxury at this level.
In addition, if the Bucs pass on the BPA OL and go reaching for a lesser talent, I am going to freak out.
No one is suggesting that our current OL didn’t exceed all expectations last season. They did.
But we can get better.
March 5th, 2016 at 8:52 am
Agreed, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I’d be disapointed if JL went for anything but defense in this draft
March 5th, 2016 at 9:01 am
The biggest problem on defense was the scheme and pisspoor coaching. That problem has been addressed. Most of the draft should focus on upgrading the defense but it would be a mistake to ignore OL and WR. Protecting Jameis and giving him a deep threat should still be a high priority. A young road grader could extend Dougie’s career here and keep the heat off our QB. I’ve waited decades for a Buc team to be known for a great offense. I believe we are on the verge. This team just might win something without an elite defense.
March 5th, 2016 at 9:10 am
Yup. Not a need. I always think an O Lineman should be drafted in rounds 4-7 though
March 5th, 2016 at 10:25 am
Dave, the point is if a player who grades out highly on your board, (see Marpet, Qwan) and is superb value, (in any round), you jump on the chance.
Example, if an OL you have graded mid first and falls to you in the second, Do it.
March 5th, 2016 at 11:10 am
Osemele is not going to sign a contract to be a back up the only reason the bucs would sign him is to replace mankins, or if he can play right tackle he could replace gosder or demar Dotson
March 5th, 2016 at 11:32 am
Just the coaching changes on defense are enough to improve that unit. New additions will be the icing on the cake.
March 5th, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Joe
Last night I watched the st.louis Rams game and 2 things stood out. First, DM22 is an absolute beast. The first qrt of the game was a virtual highlight reel. Vary vary impressive runs.
Second, JW got hit so hard on his first, second, third and fourth drop back that he was shook for the whole game. JW hardly had 2 seconds to throw the ball.
I say it has more to do with learning than talent but oline does need to improve and give JW some time in the pocket.
March 5th, 2016 at 12:51 pm
While Jameis wasn’t sacked a ton last year, wasn’t he in the top 3 in QB hits?
I’m of the opinion that you look to upgrade every position on the team every year. If you think there’s a guy out there that’s better than Pamphile, Hawley or Cherilus (Hello Alex Mack & Andre Smith) then you bring them in
March 5th, 2016 at 1:03 pm
If Logan Mankins retires and Osemele is better than Pamphile I don’t see the problem with bringing in a guy too protect your QB. Dallas is a good example of you can never have to many OL
March 5th, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Cream:
No. 2 and maybe No. 1.
March 5th, 2016 at 1:28 pm
The line still needs help. It was decent last year, but still had many issues. We shouldn’t need to line up 6 lineman. And pamphlet started just 1 game, not sure you can put all your eggs in that basket.
March 5th, 2016 at 1:28 pm
*pamphile
March 5th, 2016 at 2:55 pm
No Joe, crazy talk is expecting Pamphile who had one good game to play well for a whole season. That’s not a large sample size. That’s the thinking that has held the bucs back for so many years. Seeing someone have a good game or two then promoting them to starter, not pursuing better options. Think letting Bennett go because Bowers did have a few good games the year before, especially against Carolina.
March 5th, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Joe,
You write about football but your understanding of foot ball is questionable.
March 5th, 2016 at 9:28 pm
I don’t think the Oline was a weakness but if it can be improved without sacrificing too many resources in the areas of greater concern then we should go after an improvement.
I figure the Bucs will draft at least one Oline player later in the draft.
March 6th, 2016 at 9:16 am
I’m not sold on pamphile just yet. He has started ONE GAME in his carrer, I don’t think he is ready to be our starting LG but I may be wrong, Either way the bucs need to brig in another lineman to compete with him for the job. Dotson should take back his job at RT but he is starting to get long in the tooth. Protecting JW is the top priority for this franchise so YES! addressing the O-LINE IS a priority JOE. Sorry.