Dotson Could Be Casualty In O-Line Shakeup
April 4th, 2017
So Dirk Koetter made it clear last week that Ali Marpet will move to center and get every shot to be the Bucs starter there for years to come.
Demar Dotson should be very nervous.
Yes, Dotson plays right tackle, and some Bucs fans think he’s a star. However, what if Marpet struggles at center and the Red Sea parts and J.R. Sweezy actually stays healthy and looks good at right guard?
There’s no way Marpet gets benched if he can’t transition well to center. He would move back to guard and Evan Smith or Joe Hawley would take over at starting center.
But what about Sweezy? After the nearly $15 million invested in him, Joe feels comfortable saying there’s not a chance in hell he gets benched, if he’s healthy and looking good through the summer.
So if Sweezy and Marpet are at guard, that leaves a choice between Kevin Pamphile and Demar Dotson at right tackle.
Simply stated, if versatile and talented 26-year-old Pamphile gets benched in his contract year, then it’s likely he walks in free agency next season. That would be a needless and terrible loss by the Bucs. Remember, Pamphile played well as a fill-in starter at right tackle last season, and he entered the NFL as a tackle back in 2014.
Dotson, who turns 32 in October, should be the biggest Marpet cheerleader for Marpet at center. If Marpet can’t get it done there, then Dotson’s career could be in trouble.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:20 am
Dotson a star?? Wow…..pretty generous!!!! Its an average player…..adds depth, that’s all!!!!! Happy to have him, but far from being a star!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 10:21 am
Dotson was one of the worst football players on the field each Sunday he played. When he was not getting destroyed he was committing drive killing penalties. If dotson sees the field next year Licht and koetter have done a disservice to America’s quarterback and the team. Time to go Mr dotson
April 4th, 2017 at 10:24 am
Good. Hes trash. Nice guy. Trash football player
April 4th, 2017 at 10:25 am
Who considers Dotson a star? That jumped out at me too.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:26 am
Big IF hoping Sweezy is healthy especially after back troubles
April 4th, 2017 at 10:30 am
Well written, Joe. Will be very interesting in seeing how we approach Pamphile.
2014 – Dotson has Pro Bowl-esque season: https://www.profootballfocus.com/secret-superstars-2014-bucs/
2015 – The Bucs, with Dotson out the majority of the year injured and Gosder Cherilus playing fill-in, combine for the worst RT tandem in the NFL: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-tb-car-grades-jared-allen-turns-back-the-clock/
2016 – Demar Dotson comes back and after having a slow start ends the year well: https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-best-players-at-every-position-in-week-17/
Demar Dotson has been the picture of being an up-and-down player since 2015. A lot of that comes due to injuries and I agree with you, Joe. If Marpet struggles at center or an even more likely scenario, Dotson gets injured, the Bucs would be wise to start grooming their future starting RT in Pamphile.
We also still need solid tackle depth. Hopefully Benenoch takes a step forward to fill that Pamphile role of backup G and swing T
April 4th, 2017 at 10:31 am
Hope Dotson is saving some of that big contract he signed earlier.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:33 am
Don’t hold your breathe on..easy money Sweezy. The guys got chronic back problems. He won’t last half a season. Dotson will play allright.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:40 am
I’m all for Pamphile filling in at RT if Ali at center doesn’t work out. Dotson was trash last year
April 4th, 2017 at 10:41 am
“…and J.R. Sweezy actually stays healthy and looks good at right tackle?”
I thought Sweezy was going to play at guard?
April 4th, 2017 at 10:41 am
I have wanted Dotson kicked to the curb since the end of last season. He was horrible and did nothing but commit penalties last year. Maybe the Bucs will surprise us and bring in an OT in the second or third.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Holy smoke — a non-Dalvin Cook post!! Good going Joe, you haven’t been this in love with a draft prospect since the Great Johnny Manziel!
April 4th, 2017 at 10:46 am
tmaxcon understates the case. Disgraceful no concentration penalties are a constant with this guy and a hinderance to the offense. A hard nosed rook would be an upgrade.
April 4th, 2017 at 10:48 am
Damn Joe, I made your naughty list?
April 4th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Easy money sweezy???? Guy has chronic back problems? You know this for a fact? I read he injured his back and was rehabbing his back this past year….and hes not easy money…even if he was in it for the money which is why all players play…they dont play for free…i am all for any player getting paid…its a dangerous sport
April 4th, 2017 at 11:01 am
Cool we have flexibility and options. Good news
April 4th, 2017 at 11:03 am
I think either way Dotson should be nervous….if c.beneoch shows improvement he could be our RT….with the versatility of pamphile, we could slide him into the center spot if marpet doesn’t pan out(which I doubt)….that line up would be nasty…d.smith, sweezy, pamphile, marpet, beneoch…would much rather see pamphile at RT….GO BUCS!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 11:07 am
Dotson is a star……said no one ever!
April 4th, 2017 at 11:09 am
Great move with Marphet but I’m beginning to feel like it’s just cross-training, I’ll say this again D SMITH should move to left guard and we need to find a left tackle, which could be found when cut down day comes!!
April 4th, 2017 at 11:11 am
I am not understanding something here JOE, Why not pick up Nick Mangold, leave Marpet at Guard, this way if Sweezy does not return to form EDS or Hawley could fill in. Dotson and Pamphile compete for the open spot and may the best man win.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:12 am
Q – a lot of tough guys on these threads. These guys have life long injuries and many have severe head trauma and brain damage when they are finished. Any one read about Charlie Garner’s issues yesterday? I will never bash a professional football player for being injured. Guys are enduring multiple car crashes during training camp and afor 16 Sundays or more each year. Berating a guy as “easy money” is just foolish.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:17 am
Also don’t forget Caleb Benenoch. I’m excited to see him in camp. He has loads of potential.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:24 am
813
Good on you for remember Benenoch! He could be the real sleeper out of training camp.
If he blows up and Sweezy returns to healthy we could actually have an excellent OL. Smith…Pamphile…Marpet…Sweezy and Benenoch who helped anchor a UCLA OL that set a record for fewest sacks of their QB.
Marpet and Sweezy are known as maulers! Imagine what a change in toughness and physicality we instantly pick up in the middle of our OL. Now get a great RB and we are off to Minneapolis guys!!!
I’m done crapping around. I’m with 87 who predicted this was the year…#3 for #3 and I’m on board the SB bandwagon. No more let’s get a winning season…let’s make the playoffs…no scrw all that…it SB or bust…I expect us in Minneapolis in ’18!
April 4th, 2017 at 11:25 am
Ryan Ramczyk anyone? Trust, if Cook is gone Ryan is the choice. Jon Robinson outsmarted Licht last year stealing Jack Conklin from under his nose.
Funny thing is Dotson was our best lineman 3 years ago, got paid and now he’s hot garbage. Thanks Obama.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:27 am
@TDTB
Well stated sir. You are correct! Nobody is getting any easy money in the NFL.
Injuries are and have always been a major part of the sport. I liked your metaphor. If you’ve ever stood on the sideline of an NFL game you do realize it’s like guys going through multiple car crashes….without seat belts and airbags!
April 4th, 2017 at 11:29 am
I said when free agency began that dot might be losing his position to pamphile and ppl thought I was crazy.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:31 am
Coming from a former sports reporter, this is pretty absurd. Did you quit your job at the Tribune (or cancel your subscription) because the business section reported on a subject you personally didn’t like, or a subject one of your colleagues on the sports side wrote about? Did you b!tch to Tom McEwen because he often referenced what he ate for breakfast?
Don’t like a subject/topic, don’t read it. Real simple. It’s not like there aren’t thousands of other stories on this site you can read if this subject is not up your alley.
Of all people, you should know this.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:33 am
bahahahahahahhahahahahahaahhahaaahahahah
April 4th, 2017 at 11:45 am
Lmao. Joe is on fire today. Get’em big boi, sick’em.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:50 am
Sweezy and DE Jacquies Smith healthy this year and I predict not only Super Bowl but a win in the Super Bowl. I don’t care who the opponent is. Hopefully is Brady and company. That would be icing in the cake.
At this point, the schedule is no longer intimidating. Not only are we armed but we are loaded and ready to bring some respect to our stadium along with a new name.
The draft will add depth to our roster.
Go Bucs!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
But the question still remains, will Goster remain on the roster, LOL
April 4th, 2017 at 12:14 pm
The only Buc Fan that thinks Dotson is a “STAR” is Joe!!
April 4th, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Um, Cherilus retired.
April 4th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
When did Joe write this, exactly?
April 4th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
I knew tmax would be upset!!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
What’s up “T”?!
April 4th, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Joe- Keep up the good work!
April 4th, 2017 at 12:27 pm
LT – Donovan Smith
LG – Kevin Pamphile
C – Ali Marpet
RG – JR Sweezy
RT – Caleb Benenoch
Evan Smith – Reserve swing G/C
Demar Dotson – Reserve swing Tackle
There’s your active gameday OL roster barring injury
April 4th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
@ pickgrin that’s what I am hoping works out. That’s a young line that can grow together for a long a4s time
April 4th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Geez Joe, considering it’s been 26 years since I worked for ye Ole Trib and it’s gone and the building’s gone, it really shouldn’t even count, and boy, aren’t you in a grouchy mood today. Guess the Manziel reminder hit a sore spot.
April 4th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Licht and Dirk love Dotson, the only opinions that matter.
April 4th, 2017 at 12:57 pm
@stpete…thanks…always enjoy your post…..
@ghostoftedford….I agree….would love for us to kick the tires on nick mangold….
d.smith
sweezy
n.mangold
marpet
pamphile/beneoch
that would give us a solid starting 5 and good solid depth with Hawley, e.smith and beneoch….GO BUCS!!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Touchdowntampabay….well said
April 4th, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Pamphile was NOT good at tackle!!
He has a fatass and slow knees!!
He got beat outside all the time!!
A guard evolves to PUSH.
A tackle evolves to SLIDE.
Pamphile cant slide. Watch the tape.
April 4th, 2017 at 1:50 pm
@Tom Edrington when you bring up the many mistakes by Joe you get attacked. Don’t mention how they prematurely called Vic Beasley a bust, or think Dominik was a good GM or how Manziel should be drafted over Carr…
The Joes player evaluation track record is almost as laughable as some of the nicknames they come up with
April 4th, 2017 at 2:08 pm
@DB55 … “Funny thing is Dotson was our best lineman 3 years ago, got paid and now he’s hot garbage. Thanks Obama.” lol, best comment of the day DB55. Does anyone doubt that the Bucs will put the best 5 OLinemen on the field? The only potential Pro-Bowler among the whole group IMO is Marpet (IF he’s moved to Center he’ll be fine). The rest of our OLine are adequate, which is about how our OLine will rate this year without an infusion of new talent.
Dotson didn’t play as badly last year at RT as some fans seem to think, nor did Pamphile & D. Smith play as well on the left side as some others seem to think. Sweezy at this point is one big question mark. Benenoch is also still a question mark, but from everything I’ve read he’s got a lot of talent & he may well give several players a run for their money. Still think there’s a very good chance that Licht will draft a Center somewhere in the Top 4 rnds.
April 4th, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Def rules
Why ty my friend. I do try. 😎
April 4th, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Tampa Tony:
Given your comment comes from the same fingers that doesn’t like Winston, well, consider the source.
April 4th, 2017 at 2:21 pm
No Tom. The subject of your initial comment is dumb on face value. Like bringing a little kid to a buffet and he cries over green beans being offered.
But given your background such a comment is elevated (downgraded?) to moronic.
April 4th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Caleb Benenoch and at least 1 other credible player will be pushing Dotson. the bucs have always been happy with Dotson as a backup swing tackle, they wouldn’t mind someone else playing him onto the bench this year either
April 4th, 2017 at 2:58 pm
It’s ridiculous for anyone to complain about the material Joe is posting right now. At least he’s giving us sh1t to talk about. This is dead season there isn’t any news to report.. Go ahead and write more Dalvin Cook articles or articles on other draft prospects we are likely interested in (which they have … Adoree Jackson / Carlos Henderson / Derek Barnet / etc and articles on Peterson speculation and anything else that one could think to talk about right now).
All the other bucs sites are essentially just putting out mocks or looking at other mocks. And Joe is extremely open about the fact that this is an opinion driven site
April 4th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Why is Evan Smith, at $4.5mil, still on the team? I’d rather have a backup veteran T than a 3rd string center. Also why in the world is George Johnson still on the team – is he even a real person – has anyone ever actually seen this guy?
April 4th, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Dotson a star…lmao that’s good stuff
April 4th, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Rod Munch Says:
April 4th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Why is Evan Smith, at $4.5mil, still on the team?
We’ve had Smith on the cheap for the last 3 years. This 4th year is the most expensive year on his contract. He has earned this 4th year w/ a nice payday for a likely reserve because he is experienced, versatile and capable of coming in at a moments notice at any of the interior positions (LG,C,RG) and providing a competent level of NFL play. If any one of our 3 starters in the middle goes down – Smith steps in and there’s not a huge dropoff in play. That’s why.
April 4th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Why move Marpet to center? The kid has been solid at guard thus far. Sure, the move allows the Bucs to focus on needs besides o line during the draft. But center Pat Elfein would be a hell of a find in the thord. He’s big, tough, powerful and deceptively athletic. He and Marpet would form one hell of an interior.
April 4th, 2017 at 3:34 pm
@Rod – what backup T should we sign to replace him with?
Evan Smith’s value is in that he can easily play C or either G spot in a pinch. He’s probably the most experienced guy in terms of play-time behind Dot. Aint my money
April 4th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Dotson committed the facemask penalty in 4th quarter Seahawks game–we would of had 3 touchdowns in that game. Brate touchdown pulled for his needless bs penalty–facemask–totally preventable!
April 4th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Move D Smith, we need an upgrade there!
April 4th, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Tom “Toast” Edrington.
Yikes. Anyone got some butter?
April 4th, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Caleb will never be anything but a backup lol
April 4th, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Dotson doesn’t seem to love football….guys out there for a check get exposed quickly. As Raheem said…we’ll tolerate you until we can replace you. At 32, Dotson is one hamstring pull away from being out of the league
April 4th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
I’ve noticed this Joe-Tom E. battle before. The Trib was conservative.
April 4th, 2017 at 6:12 pm
I’m just glad we have a valid starting RT that we may not know what to do with. That is not a bad problem to have.
April 4th, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Who’s is the valid starting R Tackle?
April 4th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
With all of the player movement and uncertainty, it would be fool-hearty for Licht to enter the season with this o-line. However it wouldn’t be the first time our Bucs thought they were stronger in a position than they really are (see receivers 2016). Build a wall “and they will come”.
April 4th, 2017 at 7:01 pm
The way our offensive line will really look at the start of the season, unless Licht drafts offensive line. Remember, it’s only the start of the off season program. Thing are going to change as time goes on. Marpet will not stay at center. Sweezy will shift to the other side.
LT – Donovan Smith
LG – Ali Marpet
C – Joe Hawley
RG – JR Sweezy
RT – Kevin Pamphile
April 4th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Anyone remember why Zuttah was moved to center? Because he was only so-so at guard.
Marpet excels at guard. No way will they permanently move him from there. They just want some cross training while they get a look at Sweezy.
April 4th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
And don’t be surprised if they move on from Sweezy if he doesn’t look good.
April 4th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Joe Says:
April 4th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
The only Buc Fan that thinks Dotson is a “STAR” is Joe!!
When did Joe write this, exactly?
Take a look at your statement paragraph 3 sentences 1 “Some Bucs Fan Think He Is A Star”
Tell me one!!!!
Only Joe!!!
April 4th, 2017 at 7:08 pm
Joe Says:
April 4th, 2017 at 12:20 pm
The only Buc Fan that thinks Dotson is a “STAR” is Joe!!
When did Joe write this, exactly?
Take a look at your statement paragraph 3 sentences 1 “Some Bucs Fan Think He Is A Star”
Tell me one!!!!
Only Joe
April 4th, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Marpet will be one of the best centers in the league within two years. Road grading guards are easier to find than stud centers. They know how imporant a clean pocket will be to take full advantage of what Desean Jackson has to offer and how much easier it will be to get the running game going if DTs aren’t splitting double teams.
If Joe Hawley ends up being the starting center again, kiss this offense goodbye.
I would not be surprised to see another rookie starting on this o-line this year. I think Forrest Lamp is a dark horse pick for the Bucs if they somehow trade down a few spots in the 1st round. Lamp I think could either play left guard or center.
April 4th, 2017 at 8:47 pm
TouchdownTampaBay…I suspenct you ask that question in jest…but remember, not long ago fans were begging for Dotson to come out of concussion protocol. And that said, he’s no probowler, but has not been the problem child on the O line.
April 4th, 2017 at 9:20 pm
I suspect Dotson will be fighting for his job. Hopefully he can embrace the godser cherrilous? role and be swing tackle depth. Injuries happen and we will need depth across the board to remain competetive. I am hoping they go o-line in the draft, possibly the kid from alabama.
April 4th, 2017 at 9:46 pm
But joe! You keep saying how the o line was perfect last season! No reason to dismantle that epic group! Oh but wait koetter is already making a switch at center and would be delusional to ignore the RT position.
Imo, which doesnt mean much, I would draft Dotson’s replacement in this draft. I like pamph at G. if some how marpet fails as a center. Then move pamp to RT and let the rook watch and learn. (Im not looking at first round RTs to replace dotson so letting him sit would be fine) basically whatever it takes to put the best 5 o lineman on the field is what we should do. Im not convinced in the slightest that dotson qualifies as one if those 5.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:21 pm
This is why we are going to draft OL with pick 19. Dotson is 32…he is on the fully on the other side now of his career. I always thought Dotson was average because of the penalty problems.
April 4th, 2017 at 11:54 pm
I have been saying all along that the Bucs will draft OL @19. Daniel Jeremiah in his latest mock has them taking Cam Robinson from Alabama. He called him a “drop in Right Tackle”. There is your answer. Its not a sexy pick but its a smart pick.
April 5th, 2017 at 2:08 am
Am I the only one(besides Bonzai) that want to move Ali Marpet to LG. I like the idea of him being on the same side with his best bud Donovan. Two friend protecting Famous blindside and they got each other’s back. Dangerous! Have you heard their chemistry on the radio.
We got a bad history of drafting FA olinemen. So let’s just grow our own. Josh Allen, Wester, Ben G and Caleb will be okay in time.
Do I need to go off for a few seconds, I guess so. Jeff Faine, BIG Toe, JR Sweezy looking like BIG Toe now. Evan should of kept his mouf shut when JW got to Tampa and he wouldn’t be on the side line. He looks like the best signing so far tho.
We have never had a RT EVER. Even in the Fing Super Bowl. We had Kenyatta Walker, Jeremy Trueblood, Demar Dotson and Whoelse. Nobody! We sacrificed that position for years. Y’all better be lucky I can’t send my Bucs take in to uncensored because I the one ya love to hate. Untalented talent evaluators!
April 5th, 2017 at 2:24 am
Tell the commish my stick is big as hell. It’s so big I’m still mad at Brian Kelly for letting Ricky Proehl out jump him. He can never say white men cant jump because he got out jumped with them 2inch verts. That’s why we lost the NFC championship game against the lambs. Plus S.King is dump truck.
Still pissed about the BERT Emmanuel rule too. If we didn’t go up in the playoffs our SB year and kick everybody’s arse THEY would of cheated us out of that. Smashed the Winers with T.O, Crushed the Eagles in Philly in the cold, and Throttled the traitor Raiders. We got duked out OUR DYNASTY!
April 5th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Mike Johnson Says:
April 4th, 2017 at 10:33 am
Don’t hold your breathe on..easy money Sweezy. The guys got chronic back problems. He won’t last half a season. Dotson will play allright.
Chronic back injuries? So he’s Tony Romo? NO!! He’s started at least 15 games a year since his 2nd season (2013). Please inform yourself and not make false statements.
April 5th, 2017 at 7:14 pm
DB55, Robinson didn’t outsmart Licht. Tampa was never going to draft Conklin. Hargraves to Tampa was the worst kept secret of last year’s draft.
As far as RT, I’m the anti-Dotson; I’m all for him being gone.