When You Bag A Left Tackle In The Second Round
March 9th, 2016
Donovan Smith = flexibility in free agency.
The Bucs are poised to gift America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, an even stronger offensive line.
That credible chatter about the Bucs’ interest in Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is something Joe takes very seriously.
Many consider Schwartz, who turns 27 in June, to be among the upper tier of right tackles in the game. Last month, there was a feature on Cleveland.com that probed how Schwartz is fishing for left tackle money and probably will get it. He’s that good. The No. 37 overall pick in 2012 has not missed a game, starting every Browns contest since he was drafted.
In college at “Cal,” Schwartz never missed a start in four years. His brother Geoff played the last eight NFL seasons at guard.
Schwartz is what Joe calls “a safe bet.” As a bonus, Schwartz spent his first two years in the NFL under Bucs offensive line coach George Warhop in Cleveland. Joe has read Schwartz’s praise and appreciation of Warhop from old articles out of Cleveland.
What makes Schwartz possible for Tampa Bay is Donovan Smith, in addition to massive salary cap room. As a second-round pick last year, Smith will be earning peanuts for the next three seasons. That frees the Bucs to pay big bucks to Schwartz for, say, the next three years.
Joe would applaud general manager Jason Licht if he were to invest in the O-line with Schwartz, who stands 6-5, 320 pounds.
What a sound investment in Jameis that would be. The Bucs could then cut the big salary of Gosder Cherilus and let Demar Dotson be a backup at both tackle positions, a role that suits him perfectly.
March 9th, 2016 at 7:05 am
Sounds good to me.
March 9th, 2016 at 7:06 am
“tsdoit
March 9th, 2016 at 7:06 am
That would be a GREAT move. Protect the franchise with a young, athletic line. You would have 4 guys( If Pamphile starts) in their 20’s. Imagine how dominant they could be. Opening holes for what ever RB they have.
March 9th, 2016 at 7:06 am
Let’s do it
March 9th, 2016 at 7:11 am
Lets make this happen, Joe –the GM! Schwartz is durable.
March 9th, 2016 at 7:20 am
I hope it happens. EitheEither the Bucs are very good at keeping secrets, or they are only working on Martin and this guy.
🙁
March 9th, 2016 at 7:22 am
4 guys in their 20s? Isn’t Joe Hawley in his 20s ? All 5 would be still young and have solid veterans in Dotson/Cherilus/Smith as backups.
March 9th, 2016 at 7:48 am
I start to have the Patriots attitude (I’m sorry for that) whatever age is the guy, my question is: is it an improvment ?
Apparently yes ! So go for it !
The guy worked with our OLine Coach and they seem happy with each other, he is a starter, I mean, a guy who can start everygame of season, he probably didn’t spend a lot of time on the field we all know the Browns offense ) so go and grab it, don’t wait !
March 9th, 2016 at 8:53 am
I look at Scwartz as the best available FA acquisition. Fact is I really didn’t care for any of the DL talent available. So for all those who are fuming about yesterday, let’s get Martin in the house and protect Jameis, and let Mike Smith go to work on our existing DL. We will add a few good defensive players in draft. Finally focus on good rotational players at all need positions.
March 9th, 2016 at 9:23 am
Well said mairtinii! Maybe we missed out at DE in FA but that doesn’t mean the sky is falling. Bolster what we can and draft well.
March 9th, 2016 at 9:25 am
What martini just said..
March 9th, 2016 at 9:47 am
May the Swartz be with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebJ-4hjNZRM
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
March 9th, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Licht would have to make a move and pay money for that to happen so unlikely.