Gosder Cherilus’ Seat
July 24th, 2016
Job security discussed.
As training camp opens Thursday — yes, four days away — the Bucs are like a lot of teams: their borderline players with hefty salaries should not sleep easily at night.
That brings Joe to a story typed by Michael Ginnitti at something called Spotrac. He has a list of expensive NFLers he claims are “rumored” to have thin job security due. Among three Bucs players on the list is right tackle Gosder Cherilus. Ginnitti explains.
Graded out as the 58th best tackle in 2015 according to PFF. If the Bucs can fill his spot this camp, the $4M saved is a no-brainer.
Does Joe have to explain what he thinks (again) of the PFF tribe’s offensive line grades? Let’s just say Joe used their printouts last week when tending to his bleeding hemorrhoid.
Over the summer, Joe spoke with a knowledgeable member of the Bucs who raved about how Cherilus (13 starts) worked with the young offensive linemen, specifically Donovan Smith. Cherilus, with no coaxing from anyone, took Smith under his wing and sort of became his big brother. Joe was told Cherilus had a ton to do with Smith’s development, more so than even Logan Mankins. That wasn’t a knock on Mankins (who was quite helpful to Smith) in any way, but high of praise for Cherilus.
That, of course, never shows up on spreadsheets.
Unless a guy is a complete and total sieve, teams aren’t quick to turn loose solid locker room guys. With the Bucs trying also to develop Caleb Benenoch and Kevin Pamphile still learning the ropes, unless Cherilus’ skills really eroded, Joe would be surprised if he is not on the final-53.
July 24th, 2016 at 7:15 am
Like you Joe, I can’t see Cherilus going anyplace. OLinemen get hurt and every team needs experienced backups who can jump in and keep the OLine purring. Gos has proven that he can do that, and Coach has shown in the past that he values guys like that.
My guess at this point for the starting five would be Smith, Dotson, Hawley, Marpet and Sweezy. I think they’ll keep 4 OLinemen as backups: Cherilus, Pamphile, Benenoch and either Allen or Smith (depending on how good Allen does in training camp).
July 24th, 2016 at 7:45 am
We have cap space now and going into next year……it’s not about the money, it’s about snaps and development for younger players. We have somewhat the same situation with Verner…but he is a bit more of a need.
July 24th, 2016 at 7:51 am
Joe Says:
“Let’s just say Joe used their printouts last week when tending to his bleeding hemorrhoid.”
LOL & Ouch ! May I suggest ‘Charmin’.
July 24th, 2016 at 8:04 am
Joe probably can’t afford Charmin now that he has to pay the Custodian a big salary
Well played! –Joe
July 24th, 2016 at 8:09 am
Agreed. 4 mil is not the biggest deal these days. Even if he rides the pine. Keeping Jameis healthy is a top priority and let’s face it , I can’t remember the last year a bucs team went thru the whole season with keeping entire starting oline healthy
July 24th, 2016 at 8:22 am
Good analysis on Gos’s value and how he was able to help Smith.Kinda like VJAX and the hidden value he brings to team.I ,too am for keeping him.
July 24th, 2016 at 8:56 am
At least VJ83 put in a couple of very productive years before his “coaching” was the biggest asset!!! Wondering if by the end of this season if we are saying Grimes “coaching” is invaluable and that is why he needs to be on the roster too??????
July 24th, 2016 at 9:20 am
I’m pretty sure Gos will be retained as insurance against injury and also because of his value in helping the younger players develop. He played fairly well when plugged in at the last second in 2015.
This “bridge” philosophy that Licht has now implemented en masse seems to be working so far – the OLine and its younger players improved a LOT last year and I’m pretty sure Mankins’ and Cherilus’ efforts played a significant role..
Lets hope the DL, LB and CB positions can benefit in the same ways with the additions of Ayers, Daryl Smith and Grimes.
July 24th, 2016 at 9:44 am
When it comes to riding the fine line of replacing someone to save a few million with someone who is almost equal in skill level, I feel like if that year has no risk of cap penalties for the team, why break up the continuity? And like you said Joe, PFF put’s out some stupid numbers. Unless it’s a clear upgrade on talent WITH value, don’t fix it if it aint broke. Build off of what we have and move forward.
GO BUCS!!!!
July 24th, 2016 at 9:59 am
Agree with most of the sentiments here. We need to keep him. Even if he is a below average OT he is still better than anyone on the street. Also he has good chemistry with his linemates and in this offense. We need our online depth as deep as possible and 4 mil is a small price to pay for quality depth. Also there is a good chance of him starting opening day. The battle is on between him and dotson. That competition will bring out the best in both players.
July 24th, 2016 at 10:10 am
Money for nothing and hemorrhoids for free, like an alien invasion from inner space.
July 24th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
JW best game of the season was in philly in which he threw 5 TD passes and guess who was on the line. THEM O.G.’s and 1 youngsta. Mankins, Hawley, Evan, Gos, and Donavan. My point is nothing beats experience. Throw Sweezy in for Mankins and we still have a veteran line. If the Bucs organization botch this up we deserve it.
Flash Back: I remember drafting Cosey Coleman and Kenyatta Walker they like to got Trent kilt. Gruden came in got us Christy and McDaniel instantly the line look better. Super Bowl! We did a lil better with Davin and Trueblood because that was our angry side and coaching kept playing Zuttah out of position. When we put Zuttah at center(where he always wanted to play) he was productive then we ship him to the Raven. Donald Penn was our Leader and Ted Larsen was our weakness. We get Jeff Faine in FA from the Saints didn’t work. We go back again for some more Saints linemen and get Nicks that’s even funnier. That’s what set us back.The GAME is WON in the TRENCHES.
Joe I’m starting to feel like I’m rooting for the NFL practice squad. Like the Bucs is just where players auditions to make it to a real team. We draft build them up to go play better elsewhere. We get other teams player that have secret injuries or that are clearly on a decline. I just call it like I see it.
July 24th, 2016 at 1:42 pm
So we should keep him bc he’s a nice guy? Don’t worry about the fact that he almost got the qb mamed on several occasions. Ok!
July 24th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
@Joe
The good news on both ends here, (no pun intended) Ira’s worth every last cent, and with the rate PFF supplies us with their own brand of BS, you’ll NEVER run out of toiletry supplies.
July 24th, 2016 at 10:01 pm
I don’t understand why loser teams with no cap issues would dump valuable depth. Unless said player loses a lot of skill all the sudden. I don’t get this money thing on crappy teams? You need to win to appease your fan base if you keep losing the team will lose money. As of last seasons end God was considered a good backup with experience..
July 24th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
SacBuc.
I think if you would share your moonshine and whatever else you might create in the lab in the backseat of you 82 Buick Regal……..I might just be able to understand what you are trying to say.