An Offensive Lineman To Monitor
January 23rd, 2017
Packers stud an unrestricted free agent.
Maybe this is trolling. Perhaps it’s throwing a bone to the wolves.
For the offensive-line-is-a-sieve crowd — a premise to which Joe vehemently disagrees — pay attention. This is for you.
Last year in a shocking move, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht went out and bought guard J.R. Sweezy for more than $10 million. Problem is, dude has a bum back and has yet to practice once for the Bucs much less play in a game.
And an offensive lineman who missed an entire calendar year due to a bad back, well, there is no firm reason to believe Sweezy will ever suit up for the Bucs. Bad backs and offensive linemen are not a good mix.
So is Licht, with pockets flush with Team Glazer loot in March, looking to replace Sweezy in free agency? If so, why not raid a good team (and a 2017 opponent) and weaken them to help clear a postseason path?
Might want to keep an eye out for one of the better guards in the NFL, T.J. Lang of the Packers. His season came to an end yesterday when the Packers got their cheese blown out of their arses by the Dixie Chicks. Lang is an unrestricted free agent.
If, to keep pace in the NFC South, the Bucs want to bolster their center position as the Dixie Chicks and Saints have done in recent years, the Bucs could sign Lang. He’s already a right guard and his signing could move Ali Marpet, a budding Pro Bowler, to center?
Joe always has to remind fans that when the Bucs drafted Marpet, Licht said Marpet could play center in the NFL.
January 23rd, 2017 at 7:36 am
The Packer’s O-line looked horrid. No thanks.
January 23rd, 2017 at 7:57 am
Yeah but what about Dot you can’t roll out with him as your RT next year no way
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:01 am
If Licht signs or drafts a few o linemen then Joe obviously doesn’t know his football.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:23 am
Isn’t this the guy who blew out his knee and had to get carted to the locker room in the 2nd half yesterday? If so, no thanks!
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:26 am
Wasn’t Lang injured last night?……..seems to me we ought to be signing healthy players.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:26 am
If a well managed club, like Green Bay, doesn’t want him, why should Tampa?
Why continue picking up scraps off of everyone else’s trash heaps?
Draft should be chock full of o line.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:29 am
Don’t know if this is true, but I’ve read that the best LG in FA is Kevin Zeitler/Bengals and the best ROT is Rick Wagner/Ravens. Not an expert, I’ll let Licht decide. Have also read that the Bucs think if they get injured players healthy, they’re ok with the O-Line. Mebbe yes, mebbe no! lol.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:29 am
Right o-line, wrong player.
Center – JC Tretter.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:41 am
I just remember back to the Dallas and Saints game and remember we couldn’t run the ball or stop the run at all. We need to upgrade both lines ASAP. No wholesale replacements but we need at least one starter on both lines (center and DE) and depth. If it comes via free agency or draft who cares just get it done cause those two games were very concerning and CAN’T happen again.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:45 am
Joe enough nonsense. People don’t believe the offense is TERRIBLE. People on here believe they are young and in need of a couple pieces. Even you know there must be a change at Center and nobody believes Dotson had a great year. The rest are young and will develop but the run game was abysmal and it was not JUST the Druggarnaut’s fault. Either Sweezy/Marpet or Marpet/someone else need to line up together next year. Hawley’s small size hurt us big time. The line doesn’t need to be Dallas or Oakland but dammit we need to protects jameis while our long routes develop
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:51 am
Why is everyone so obsessed with Ali Marpet playing center? Dude barely played center at Hobart and just because he’s a great right guard, apparently everyone thinks he’d be a great center as well. I think he should stay exactly where he’s at and not mess up a good thing.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:57 am
Yea I would make sure his injury from last night isnt serious before entertaining the idea. He seemed like he was in a lot of pain. If he is healthy I think he would be a great guy to go after
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:59 am
@Spacebuc
The O-Line draft class this year is pretty weak
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:04 am
OLines for both the Falcons & the Patriots looked pretty darn good yesterday. Ryan & Brady looked like they got excellent pass protection … both were well over 70% completion and together they threw for 7 TDs, passing for 766 yds with 0 INTs. Granted it was Ryan & Brady as opposed to some rookie QB, but … without a stout OLine they’d have been running for their lives.
Contrast that with what Jameis had to endure this season. Constantly pressured, constantly running for his life. Sorry Joe, you may ‘vehemently disagree’ that the Bucs OLine needs upgrading, but until we do upgrade it we can’t expect to be winning playoff games against quality teams. Right now Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile & Ali Marpet are the only 3 starters from this year’s OLine that I’d retain as starters. They provide lots of flexibility too as to which positions they could end up at. Jury’s still out on JR Sweezy in my opinion, but I’m reluctant to count on a Guard with a bad back to be a starter. Dotson & Hawley are excellent backups but don’t really see either as a starters unless someone goes down. Benenoch might be ready this year, but again, wouldn’t count on that. Prefer to see us pick up two experienced horses in FA (if they’re there), but more than likely I think the best we’ll do is 1 in FA & 1 in draft.
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:09 am
I’d Rather go after Ron Leary if we’re gonna sign a guard in Free Agency.
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:13 am
Also as far as the draft class goes, I’d agree that overall its incredibly weak.
But I think that Ryan Ramcyzk outta Wisconsin is solid, and I think that Garett Bolles outta Utah has the potential to be great.
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:21 am
Also guys there will be a handful of stud prospects at the senior bowl this Saturday. Including my boy O.J. Howard. Be sure to tune in.
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:21 am
Bucs need OTs to protect, Jameis, If you are gonna put marpet at C and then get this guy in for marpet, this is a good move if sweezy ok too, but OT and a good one should be a top priority
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:41 am
@Blake
Cant wait. Im excited to see how Jamaal Williams and Taywan Taylor does
January 23rd, 2017 at 10:35 am
I agree Center needs to be addressed. The only problem is with needing a WR first to help JW and M Evens! If we can get Jeremy Z from Baltimore do it I NEVER understood why we let him go?
January 23rd, 2017 at 10:42 am
If…..maybe….yep, trolling.
January 23rd, 2017 at 10:55 am
@blake…I agree….ron leary would be my top priority followed by d.poe or bennie logan….then I would grab d.sharpe-ot 6’6 350 out of uf in the 4th or 5th round and develop him to be our next rt….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2017 at 10:59 am
if the packers let him walk without trying to keep him don’t bother….how has evan smith worked out for us….they let him walk and I see why…we don’t need another green bay player as a back up….GO BUCS!!!
January 23rd, 2017 at 11:44 am
Why would you want to move Marpet to C when he dominates at RG. Never move a guy that dominates at his position like Marpet, you keep him there and build around him. Kyle Fuller C from Baylor would be a good one to get maybe in the 4th rd. He’s a big strong road grader type blocker at 6’5 315.
January 23rd, 2017 at 11:47 am
@808BUCS I’d say that if it works out, Ali at center is a lot more impactful than at RG. It’s hard to find physically dominant centers that can protect and contribute to the running game.
I wouldn’t say top level guards are a dime a dozen, but they are a lot more common than top tier Centers. I’d say give a test run. I know Ali has the necessary work ethic to make the most out of a transition like that.
January 23rd, 2017 at 12:26 pm
This may be a weak draft class for Offensive Linemen, but the Bucs O-Line are weaker.
January 23rd, 2017 at 12:27 pm
I think Joe’s hate for Doug clouded his judgment. Our o line took a big step back this year. Oh but rob, coach says our o line is OK. Well Joe, what’s a coach suppost to say lol. Our q b ran for his life all year and we suck lol. Come on man. Open your eyes. Your wrong on this one bud.
January 23rd, 2017 at 12:29 pm
We need o line and d line if we’re going to take it to the next lvl. If not we will finish right around where we did this year. Watch.
January 23rd, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Id rather Marpet stay where he is and the Bucs concentrate on signing or drafting the best Center they can find.
We also need better tackle play on both sides – however that can best be accomplished.
If Joe doesn’t believe that the Bucs need to upgrade the talent up front – then Joe does not know nearly as much about football as Joe thinks Joe does…
For the sake of Jameis we need a top 5 Oline – top 10 minimum. We were quite a ways from there in 2016. But with 2 high quality additions at C and RT – odds are good this Oline’s play will improve drastically.
January 23rd, 2017 at 1:00 pm
@Rob This is a subject rife with controversy dude. Because there’s a mountain of well documented evidence, that successful football started in the trenches.
But then I Look at all the teams that were participants on Championship sunday. And even though we had to endure 2 blow out games, basically every team in the final 4 was constructed in similar way. They each had Elite Quarterback with time to throw to wide open targets. We need to improve at center and right tackle yes.
We also have to improve at Receiver, Running Back, Tight end, DE, Corner Back, D tackle, and Safety. Thats why it has to be BPA at the most pressing needs with our early picks.
January 23rd, 2017 at 1:09 pm
draft Ethan Pocic out of LSU, he is ranked 47th in the draft, maybe get him in the 2nd… go big or go home!!
January 23rd, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Idk about Pocic Dude, He doesn’t show much Power in the Running game. Looks solid in pass pro, but has plays where he gets beat, and doesn’t have enough Athleticism to recover from getting beat off the line.
Also At 6’8, I don’t think he can stay low enough to generate leverage leverage against top level DTackles. Low man wins, and its easy to be the low man against somebody that tall. I think 6’3 – 6’5 is ideal for a Center.
January 23rd, 2017 at 2:29 pm
“Lang’s injury issues could complicate things moving forward. He told ESPN he will not play in the Pro Bowl because he’s having surgery for a nagging hip injury.”
….again, “NO” to often injured green bay lineman…..reoccurring foot and hip injuries….NO THANKS!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
January 23rd, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Would welcome back Jeremy Zuttah !! Just look at the difference in Matty!! No JZ is not Alec Mac but boy would that fix so many things an not break the bank!! I bet JW3 would prolly pitch in as would AP if he comes to town!!
January 23rd, 2017 at 4:54 pm
U want a sneaky good o lineman? Forrest lamp. Look him up, his comparison as a G is Zach Martin. Could be our LG of the future
January 23rd, 2017 at 7:45 pm
Just had hip surgery ill pass
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Crap! Too bad Quenton Nelson is returning for his senior year at Notre Dame. He would be perfect for grooming at LG. How did Pamphile do at RT? I missed some of his plays when he was lined up there. I still think we need to draft a RT. Ok with C too.
January 23rd, 2017 at 8:33 pm
JOE—-
Any news all on Sweezy?
I definitely would not mind another OG and OT.
I just don’t know about moving Marpet. The guy is probably a pro bowler next year at OG.
If it improves the overall OL though, I am all for it. It is just risky
January 23rd, 2017 at 9:27 pm
Joe, JL said Marpet could play center in the NFL. He did not say he would play center. Why would you take a guard on the verge of playing at an elite level and move him to center? I agree with Dave, that seems risky. If a guy is excelling at his current position I would recommend leaving him there.
Dave, Joe has said several times there is no update on Sweezy. The dude has a bad back and just missed an entire year. I think it is safe to say he probably won’t ever play for the Bucs. If he does it is just a bonus, but I would say its highly unlikely.
January 24th, 2017 at 12:41 am
I agree with J0E that J.R. Sweezy may not ever play for the Bucs. In fact, I’m wondering if he will ever play in the NFL again.
As to Marpet, I had him on my wishlist to play center before he was drafted. I think he would excel there.
HOWEVER…I’m not sure about T. J. Lang.
The man turns 30 when the season season starts…which is young enough if he doesn’t have an injury history…but…he’s getting foot and hip arthroscopic surgeries this week. If those scopes find anything, he could end up with worse surgeries.
How long until free agency starts?
January 24th, 2017 at 12:42 am
I also think it is a bad idea to move Marpet at this point. Better to get a guard for the other side, since we need one.
January 25th, 2017 at 1:10 am
Walterfootball has Lang as the #7 Free Agent this offseason. Just saying…
T.J. Lang missed some time with a foot injury this past season, but still performed as one of the top guards in the NFL. The one downside is that he’ll turn 30 at the end of September, but interior linemen can usually play on a high level well into their mid-30s.