Licht: In Warhop We Trust
May 1st, 2016
Background on the Bucs’ newest rookie O-lineman
The now almost legendary story on drafting Ali Marpet and Donovan Smith was simple.
Offensive line coach George Warhop pored over the potential Bucs’ prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft, watching film, studying them in person, etc., and came way with two names atop his list: Smith and Marpet.
And that’s who the Bucs drafted.
Despite the heinous mess the Bucs’ O-line was in 2014, trust in Warhop carried over to 2015. The results were stellar, as the line rejuvenated beyond anyone’s imagination.
Yesterday, the Bucs drafted an offensive lineman, Calen Benenoch, in the fifth round.
Joe asked general manager Jason Licht, a former college O-lineman, if he worked out Benenoch himself. Licht’s answer reflected one of his core beliefs: In Warhop We Trust.
“We saw him work out in person at the combine,” Licht said. “Coach George Warhop went out [to UCLA] and spent a lot of time with him. I wasn’t able to make that particular workout, but we really trust George and all of the things that he does with these guys. He puts them through a pretty grueling workout and different things in the classroom. He came back and we feel comfortable with him.”
Like most thinking Bucs fans, Joe has done an about face on Warhop. If he was high on him, then that satisfies Joe.
Also, Joe had an off-the-record chat at the NFL Scouting Combine with Warhop (actually, it was at the Indianapolis airport), and Joe will say that Warhop is not one of those guys who loves every player he sees. He doesn’t roll like Chucky.
May 1st, 2016 at 7:48 am
Now that he’s a Buc, I wish him the best!
May 1st, 2016 at 7:53 am
Its hard to find much as far a highlights on Calen. Hope he works and can provide some good depth.
May 1st, 2016 at 7:55 am
I’m loving this Dan Vitale guy. Winston will bring the ultimate warrior out of him. He’s a true grit guy with discipline and character all about his team, contrary to
ASJ (Average Stupid Jerk). Vitale will gel with Winston because he wants to win now!!! Let’s push ASJ to step up to the plate now or step out Bucs doors…
forever!!!
May 1st, 2016 at 7:55 am
If I am Godsder or Evan Smith, I am worried. Warhop can make these guys starters. Between the guy they drafted and the 2 small school UFA’s, great pick ups
May 1st, 2016 at 8:04 am
Dreambi
The key to looking at highlights on OL is to go to a , look up one of his offensive teammates and then focus on him. RB Paul Perkins is a good guy to look up for running game video and the QB or
May 1st, 2016 at 8:05 am
oops, sorry… a WR
May 1st, 2016 at 8:16 am
Joe- when do we expect to hear back on UDFAs?
May 1st, 2016 at 8:21 am
I’d really like to know how many players Warhop worked out…..and where Caleb fell on his list.
I’m quite certain that they didn’t target an Olineman before the 4th round….perhaps the 5th…..so Caleb may have been pretty high on his list.
I think they came away with exactly what they wanted with the first 4 picks perhaps as far as players & position……CB, DE, K, S
May 1st, 2016 at 8:27 am
It just goes to explain why some organizations, like the Packers, continuously develop “O” linemen and always have at least a decent line. Maybe we are getting to that point in the Bucs organization…hope so.
May 1st, 2016 at 8:27 am
This guy had 35 consecutive starts he ran a 4.93 which is incredible for a guy his size, he came out a year early according to his coach, would’ve been a 2nd round or higher tackle if he stayed in school, with the injury concerns with Dotson and Cherilus, don’t be surprised if this is our starting RT coming out of training camp, in fact I’m confident he will be the best value pick of this draft class for the Bucs, Spence will play a lot on passing downs opposite Jack Smith and Ayers moving to tackle, 2 speed demons coming on the edge, with ayers and McCoy up the middle, look out, I think Banks with get the big receiver matchup with safety help (double team vs Julio n Benjamin), VH3 covering slot, and Grimes/Verner covering the #2 WR and actually covering them instead of watching them catch slants, those athletic TEs being covered up our stud LBs, we are going to be stout on defense….is it July yet can’t wait
May 1st, 2016 at 9:22 am
I think this RT could out sprint Winston, lol.
(No hate, btw, I’m a fan of Winston)
May 1st, 2016 at 9:31 am
Guzzie
He wont beat out dotson by this next opening day. Dotsons a good right tackle. He may even get a raise before the season starts. I wouldnt be surprised if caleb changes positions. If not hes got a better shot to beat out donovan. Wouldnt count on that yet either. He was drafted for depth for this year
May 1st, 2016 at 9:59 am
I know it’s unlikely he’ll beat out Dotson by opening day, just saying this guy is really good, and Dotson is injury prone, I know any player can get hurt, but it seems like every year something happens to Dotson, with that being said, Dotson misses any camp time, when Caleb gets his shot, Dotson might not get his job back
May 1st, 2016 at 10:00 am
Plus Warhop isn’t afraid to play a rookie
May 1st, 2016 at 10:14 am
Caleb
May 1st, 2016 at 10:15 am
Ditto.
May 1st, 2016 at 10:37 am
I like Dot but the future of the RT position is this kid. Those 35 starts are huge.
May 1st, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Agree with Guzzie that Caleb has a chance to be starting soon. He’s raw but impressive. Extremely durable. Best trait is availability. Nice to see that Donavan Smith reached out to him right away.
3rd best 40 yard dash of all lineman. Better than average broad jump. So he’s explosive. The 3 cone and short shuttle were less than average. Did not bench at the combine.
On a side note. Danny Vitale’s benched 30 @ 225 which would of tied him for 5th among all offensive lineman. This guy is going to be a cult hero. Brings prodution and sheer athleticism to the fullback position. Superback indeed.
May 1st, 2016 at 12:32 pm
I’m glad to see guys coming around on Warhop. He tried to explain OC and O-Line concepts go hand and hand and 2014 there wasn’t an OC period.
May 1st, 2016 at 12:43 pm
This new kid is big and strong. He will develop or..pack bags. Its that simple. Good to see more competition.
May 1st, 2016 at 1:19 pm
One of the undraftees is Warhop’s nephew, I think? I would have to go and research..but it is kin…
May 1st, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Ohhhh. forgot to add..he did get an invitation for mini camp..can’t remember which one he is..hopefully someone knows his name…
May 1st, 2016 at 3:14 pm
My money says Caleb Benenoch will sit, watch, workout, practice and go to meetings this year. He’ll be lucky to see the field unless it works out that he’s the reincarnation of Anthony Munoz or Forrest Gregg at tackle. Unlike Ali Marpat and Donovan Smith he doesn’t HAVE TO start his rookie year, so there’s no reason not to let him grow into the NFL, because as it stands the O-line led the way for the NFL’s #2 rusher last season, Doug Martin. So there’s no reason to rush things with Benenoch, unless the Bucs get bit by the injury bug.
In my opinion, we’re seeing the beginnings of a Patriots-like strategy for free agency and the draft. Use free agency to fill today’s holes for the short term, then, use the draft to hire up the future, let them sit on the bench, workout, practice and develop before throwing them into the fire, unless the injury bug bites.
So, all the wannabe GMs and HCs here need to start thinking beyond today’s draft and September’s first game and start trying to predict what a player can be after, in the words of Dirk Koetter, “we coach them up.”
May 1st, 2016 at 3:53 pm
I remember the countless people here calling for Warhopto be fired after 2014. Haha. Fans as GMs. LOL!