“Wayyyy Ahead”
May 25th, 2016
Donovan Smith is one gargantuan dude. He was 6-6, 338 pounds at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.
This offseason, manbeast Smith looks like he shuffled that weight into all the right places.
Smith is definitely a more imposing figure now. Yesterday, Joe asked Smith where he is physically versus this time last year.
“Wayyyyyy ahead. Just way ahead,” Smith replied. “Pretty much just condition-wise I’m in better shape. Understanding what needs to be done to take care of your body – your knees, your shoulders, everything. So, you know, I’m far ahead in understanding how to take care of your body.”
What’s extra cool about Smith’s comments is he played every snap last year. He already was taking good care of himself while grinding in the trenches, playing through the all the dings and dents every lineman suffers. He was the only Bucs O-lineman — or D-lineman — to start every game.
That impressive grand slam by general manager Jason Licht feels like it’s still paying dividends. That draft class is one motivated bunch.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:28 pm
I hope this guy continues to prove me wrong
May 25th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Did Smith scare Joe into writing positive stories about him?
May 25th, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Based on his Twitter posts he seems to be the glue that bring everyone together. He’s def doing his part to build chemistry in the locker room. Love this guy, I hope he becomes an elite player soon.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:40 pm
DB55
you hit it on the head. I was not sold on him at lt after draft but I am a huge fan of his now. He’s definitely entertaining on social media comes across very genuine too.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
He and JW seem tight.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Huh? Joe’s been defending him against the stat geeks (who truly hate him) for months. Feel free to use Joe’s archives for evidence.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
I think he’s referring to the “Really Bro?” post this morning, Joe.
May 25th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Or yesterday rather
May 25th, 2016 at 3:38 pm
@Magic Marpet
Joe knows this, he just likes to make people appear stupid anytime he can. Feel free to use Joe’s archives for evidence
May 25th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
This guy needs to keep improving because all the national heads say he’s a right tackle!!
May 25th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Play with a chip, keep Jameis up, pave the way for Doug, I believe he checked the box on all those, he just have to continue to grow
May 25th, 2016 at 5:23 pm
It is so interesting how words spoken can READ completely different from how they are heard. Yes, DS did say “Really, Bro” to the question by Joe about playing Spence in college. But if you watch the interview, he kinda chuckles and then says Spence’s team was better, Spence had a better game, etc. But it wasn’t a pissed off response. I thought he was just indicating that was a time that Donovan would rather put behind him.
May 25th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Agree with the posters who mentioned his tweets and how he rallies his team mates. He’s always planning something with them..has bought them together as friends and team mates. Love Donovan to pieces.
And when he plays DJ while driving around with his uncle? priceless!
May 25th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
I’ve never had any faith in my ability to judge players along the offensive line…. If they’re absolutely horrible then yeah probably can figure that out.
So I must rely on others in the know.
Consensus seems he’s playing solid for a rookie, I’ll go with that.
May 25th, 2016 at 6:10 pm
I really like the fact that beyond physical and production metrics, Licht and his staff look deep for the intangibles in players…especially the part of loving football.
May 25th, 2016 at 6:44 pm
Wow this team is going to be special I think in all honesty in about two years we will own the NFC south give it time ppl we are on the verge of a dynasty
May 25th, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Just look at the Bolts. They have had some really strong drafts, and those players are now leading the team with a chance to make it two straight SCF. And now Licht is doing the same thing with the Bucs. I rlly s
May 26th, 2016 at 8:35 am
This team is being built the right way finally. Licht has the right blue print and is sticking to it. If we continue to pluck great players every year from the draft we are well on our way to bringing playoff football back to the bay.
And as our favorite coach would say…”it’s as simple as that.”
May 26th, 2016 at 12:49 pm
Donovan Smith dominated in the running game and had his moments in pass blocking. As a whole Smith more than held his own considering he was a rookie playing one of the most difficult positions to play. Smith should improve with a year of experience and play better in pass blocking this year. The Bucs have put a ton of faith in Smith by passing on Laremy Tunsil (twice).