Targeting A Right Tackle
November 29th, 2019
Is the end near?
Being that is is Black Friday, the crowd over at Bleacher Report believes the Bucs should be shopping.
Just like intelligent shoppers are at Bill Currie Ford today.
Kristopher Knox is of the mind the Bucs should be ready to draft a right tackle in the first round of next spring’s draft. His reasoning is sound.
First, the way the Bucs are going, they are likely to be outside the top-10 in the draft. And that’s where good offensive linemen can be had.
And of course, there’s the likely prospect that right tackle Demar Dotson is playing his last games as a Bucs lineman. He turned 34 last month, a senior citizen on NFL offensive lines.
Also, per the shaky offensive line stats from the PFF Tribe, Dotson has allowed a team-high five sacks (as has Donovan Smith but often left tackles face better defensive ends).
Knox also believes after right tackle, the Bucs must find another running back and a cornerback. Well, the way Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis have played of late, cornerback doesn’t seem like a severe hole in the roster all of a sudden.
Joe would agree on running back. Ronald Jones is OK. It’s a holiday weekend and Joe doesn’t want to get worked up over Peyton Barber (who is having the worst year of his meh career in yards-per-carry) and Dare Ogunbowale, who shouldn’t be on the roster.
Joe isn’t sure drafting a right tackle in the first round is smart. Second round, yeah. Now if the Bucs plan to play a guy at right tackle as a rookie and then flip him to left tackle to replace Smith after the 2020 season, then yeah, a tackle in the first round is smart.
(Smith has a guaranteed contract through the 2020 season, when he is due some $14 million.)
November 29th, 2019 at 3:06 pm
We should target a left tackle in the draft and put Smith on the right side.
November 29th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Hell Yeah Dotson’s end is near–last season–over–done too old–injury waiting to happen
November 29th, 2019 at 3:25 pm
I like Dotson. But the handwriting is on the wall. Almost time for his..2nd career.
November 29th, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Dotson has been a good Buc. He knows they’re looking. He’s real.
November 29th, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Nope
November 29th, 2019 at 3:39 pm
We should target OT – Thomas, Wirfs, Willis, and Leatherwood in that order in the first round. Interior DL in the first round should be Brown, Kinlaw, Davis, and Wilson in that order. I can see us getting RB David Johnson when he is released from the Cardinals.
November 29th, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Country brew
Not a bad idea but D Smith insists that he is physically, athletically unable to play RT
November 29th, 2019 at 3:44 pm
We should target OT – Thomas, Wirfs, Willis, and Leatherwood in that order in the first round. Interior DL in the first round should be Brown, Kinlaw, Davis, and Wilson in that order. I can see us getting RB David Johnson when he is released from the Cardinals.
November 29th, 2019 at 3:59 pm
There’s nothing wrong with drafting a right tackle in the first round if the talent matches the draft spot.
If not tackle, then QB or a real difference maker in the secondary
November 29th, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Agree we need to draft OL this year. Also don’t rule out a interior lineman. Ya never know if they plan to move Cappa to tackle. So don’t freak out if they don’t draft the position you want unless you know what the plan is.
November 29th, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Targeting a RT…. A decade late and a dollar short…. typical bucs….
November 29th, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Need to replace both tackles… RT immediately. LT can wait until the next year…
Need to draft some D-lineman.
Then worry about the secondary. We have enough young guys back there anyways. If anything, you sign a more veteran player at CB or S.
November 29th, 2019 at 4:11 pm
Not for nothing but Donovan Smith has played much better this year. That’s why he’s not complained about daily on these message boards like he has in the past.
Got no problems keeping him at LT if he can follow up next year with more solid play.
November 29th, 2019 at 4:47 pm
Overpaying for mediocrity it’s a Bucs life! The offense already eats up nearly 70% of the salary cap and we still need to sign Godwin and possibly franchise Winston? Giving average players $40 Million is what has gotten us into the position we’re in now.
November 29th, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Well that and drafting Millennial’s!
November 29th, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Right tackle in round one. Probably. It might be a guard projected as a tackle.
It would be dumb to move Smith over. He really isn’t built for it. Cappa is working out at guard, so makes no sense to move him.
Marpet would probably play better on the right side. It was where he started, but with Cappa doing well there, a switch might be a bad idea…although having Cappa’s strength next to Smith might be enticing.
Just draft a right tackle and decide on smith next year.
November 29th, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Joe maybe this fad can help bucs keep teams under 40 pts per game…..
https://nypost.com/2019/11/26/perineum-sunning-is-latest-insanity-wellness-influencers-swear-by/
November 29th, 2019 at 5:26 pm
What Bucs lack right now is versatility on the OLine. For instance, I have no clue who’d fill in for Donovan if the need arose. I think we need to draft TWO OLinemen, one high (Rounds 1-3) and 1 lower (Rounds 4-6). Then sign TWO veteran OLinemen, 1 starter-quality, the other with proven versatility for better depth.
We’ve basically got Donovan Smith, Marpet, Cappa & Jensen returning (even though we could move on from Ryan Jensen this year because of no dead Cap, I’d keep him at least 1 more year despite his $10 mil price tag). Beyond those 4 though, Bucs have only 2 OLinemen (both Guards) under contract for 2020: Aaron Stinnie & Zach Bailey. Bucs will be in the market for a LOT of OLine help this off-season.
BTW Joe, I like your idea of drafting an OLineman high who could switch to Left tackle in 2021 if the need arose. Not sure about the 1st round though. Kinda depends on who’s available when we pick IMO (if a top QB or DE was there, it MIGHT be hard to go with a Tackle instead). I’m not as down on Donovan as some folks are, but we do need someone who could fill in for him in any event if required, and I’d rather see us ‘grow our own’ OLinemen anyways. And LTs seem to be the hardest to find.
November 29th, 2019 at 5:37 pm
You draft the best player available. If that’s a right tackle then dang it u take him. Not to mention you have to consider the pros of that 4 year contract ( fifth year team option). Lichts been doing wrong in the first round for awhile now. I understood Jameis 1st pick overall. Evans was definitely worth the first round pick. I bet they had Sheldon rankins rated above Hargreaves but we “needed” a CB and took Hargreaves. And if they didn’t have a highly touted DT rated over a 5’11” corner then that’s a serious problem.
November 29th, 2019 at 5:47 pm
Defense Rules……I’m not so sure we lack the versatility like you say. I think you kinda showcased some versality when you said you don’t know who would replace Donovan if needed…….If that were to happen we might see guys shifted around on the line.
Both Jensen & Cappa were Tackles in college. Marpet can play both Center and both Guard position & Watford was said to be a guy who could play multiple positions when he came in.
Obvisously I’m not sure how versatile these guys can be at the pro level and we’d have to see a major injury or 2 to find out……..For now I think I’m cool not testing out the versality of our guys. I’d say that durability is greater then versatility anyways.
November 29th, 2019 at 5:57 pm
OT in round one to play RT in 2020 and maybe LT in 2021
Pick the best available DE in round two (keep Shaq and JPP or Nassib)
Trade up to grab a DT late in round two
Then select a developmental C in round four
Free agency: shutdown CB, upgrade RB and depth in the trenches. Maybe a 3rd string WR. For the right price, keep Dotson as a backup for his farewell season. He knows the system and also brings a good influence in the locker room
Pay Godwin big $$$$$
Give Jameis a short term deal, around 18M/year, or sign Bridgewater (similar conditions). Franchise tag is an option, but I rather use it to keep Shaq,if necessary
That’s the basic blueprint to improve to a playoff contender.
A SB team is, at least, two drafts away.
November 29th, 2019 at 6:04 pm
So far I like what Licht has done with Marpet and Cappa. I think he does it again this yr.
November 29th, 2019 at 6:18 pm
Thomas will be loooong gone when the Bucs pick. I would like to get the tackle from USC or the beast from Louisville. There are a lot of late 1st – early 2nd round tackles in this draft. I would be ok if the Bucs traded back and picked up the best available in the mid to late 20s. 2nd round would want to see and OLB or edge rusher. Build the trenches with some more lineman in the 4th and 5th round. 3rd round I would be ok if they targeted a RB to split time with Jones. Agree with the post above regarding secondary. We have a ton of young guys already and would like them to target a veteran free agent to help out there.
November 29th, 2019 at 6:35 pm
I’m all for this if there’s a prospect who can play RT and eventually LT. I know that Arians has said that most OL prospects aren’t ready for the NFL with the offenses colleges run, but it may be different with the Iowa O-Linemen. Ferentz has his guys ready, so maybe one of those guys in the 1st or 2nd.
November 29th, 2019 at 6:56 pm
So everyone here is fine keeping Winston? We need a tackle more than we need a QB who doesn’t lead the league in turnovers? Hahahahaha. OMFG…
November 29th, 2019 at 7:07 pm
@marine…. yup
November 29th, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Winston is my QB. With a better secondary, we’d have a winning record this year, even with Winston’s many turnovers. I believe better protection (drafting a quality OT) will lead to better results from Jameis.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:10 pm
@marine…. YUP!!
November 29th, 2019 at 7:17 pm
Yeah why not try something different and makes Sense for a change. RT in 1st, best available OG in 2nd, and RB in 3rd.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:20 pm
The greatest part about the 2020 draft is that we aren’t looking for a QB.
Nothing worse then staring at a off-season looking at a void at QB…….But in this league if you got a QB you got a chance!!
GO BUCS!
November 29th, 2019 at 7:21 pm
We need offensive tackle, defensive lineman, quarterback, running back, edge rusher, middle linebacker and wide receiver. Do not draft anymore secondary help in the draft get them in free agency.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:26 pm
That Wills kid from Alabama is my #1 draft target since we probably put ourselves out of range for either Thomas or Wirfs with that last win.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:26 pm
No doubt we need a new offensive tackle. We could use a new RB. We could use another CB. However, I would draft a QB with our first pick and keep Winston with the franchise tag for one season. If Winston cures his turnover flu than show him the money. If he continues the inconsistency and turnovers at least we have a plan B. If he gets hurt at least we have a plan B.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Is Gruber available?
November 29th, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Marine Buc: I see your point. I thought is we’ve neglected the OL for too long, and good teams are built in the trenches. I’d rather be like the Patriots and draft guys in the 4th Round who are eventually Pro Bowl O-Linemen, but there’s not too many teams like them, that’s why they’ve dominated the NFL for the last 20 years.
November 29th, 2019 at 7:47 pm
JimmyJack … Agree with you that durability trumps versatility. Right now though, we’ve got 5 bonafide OLinemen; the backups are shaky (?). If Donovan goes down, we’re scrambling to shift guys around (probably Dotson to LT?). Just saying that we need to upgrade our OLine this off-season, and that expanding our options in terms of versatility would be helpful.
And Marine Buc, I think the jury’s still out on Jameis at this point, and will be for awhile after the season ends. What we want & what Jameis wants might be 2 totally different things. Could be lots of other teams who jump into the bidding process once he becomes a FA. Or none, who knows? I just hope that Bucs’ management doesn’t screw around with our QB situation like they did with our DT situation (aka, GMC).
November 29th, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Winston is my QB.
November 29th, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Jimmy Jack, Sorry but we Need a Qb,we don’t need to waste the money on Winston,just because you’re a FSU fan…
November 29th, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Sound advice.
November 29th, 2019 at 8:11 pm
I’m confused….after all the whining about not selecting a pass rusher in 2019…..Joe wants a RB/CB/RT?……..what about we draft a DE/DT & RT in rounds 1 & 2…….the order would depend on the player available……
November 29th, 2019 at 8:12 pm
Much respect for Dotson, guy has been here a decade, but he’s done.
November 29th, 2019 at 8:19 pm
My favorite Dotson moment was when he threw his hands up after Winstons’s 4th int during the Cincinnati game. classic!
November 29th, 2019 at 9:00 pm
John L good try but not a FSU fan. Just a Buc fan that don’t follow college. I like Winston and I’ll take him……You go draft you a rookie or roll with Tannyhill & good luck to you sir.
DR defientally agree the backups are shakey. Shakey might even be an overstatement.. Just not sure about the versatility part. Really doubt they would just throw Dotson over at LT if needed. That’s sounds like a disaster. If we had to replace D.Smith I think that would test to see if/how versatile our lineman are.
November 29th, 2019 at 9:32 pm
JimmyJack … Marpet about our most versatile OLineman I think (RG, C, LG) but I don’t think he’s ever played tackle at the Pro level. Jensen played some Guard when he was with Baltimore, but I don’t think he’s played tackle at the Pro level either. Cappa has, but he’s still pretty green & I’m not sure he’s played any LT even in Training Camp (mostly Guard & RT I think). Watford played a little RT I think in Arizona, but that’s about it. We’re really thin in Tackles. Good thing Donovan is an iron man.
November 29th, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Yes please get Dotson outta here…
Agree with Defense Rules ..
Drafting 2 Offensive lineman is an excellent idea…Only thing is Id take 2 early; 1st and 2nd round
November 29th, 2019 at 10:18 pm
I’m thinking, perhaps the current players could give their two cents worth when scouting potential draft pics.
Personally, I lean towards building from the trenches out with emphasis on the O-line.
First and possibly second round should be best available regardless of position with very little wiggle room
November 29th, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Use a first rounder on a QB? This team has way too many holes in the trenches to blow a first rounder on what would surely be a reach with a pick somewhere between 10 and 20. You get a good RT, some depth at o-line and watch how much better Winston and the running game will perform. If we were a Super Bowl team right now maybe that would make sense to have a back up plan. When your a team vying for last place in your division year in and year out you don’t have the luxury of just wasting first rounders as part of a back up plan.
November 29th, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Dotson has been a warrior, and I would not be surprised if he hung them up as a forever Buc at the end of this season.
November 29th, 2019 at 10:37 pm
A couple more wins and the Bucs will be picking in the middle of the pack where it could make sense to draft a solid RT in the first round.
November 30th, 2019 at 3:48 am
Ronald Jones is wayyyyy better that OK. RoJo is a stud and could be a top 10 RB in this league Ifthey would hand him the ball 20+ times. Feed RoJo the Ball!!
November 30th, 2019 at 4:46 am
Right tackle, yes. Beyond this, I think the Bucs will prioritize the D line this year.
November 30th, 2019 at 5:25 am
tmax … you are hilarious ….. i pissed my pants …. still laughing …. omg wtf .lmao
November 30th, 2019 at 8:02 am
Draft a RT in the 1st round. Let Dotson player/coach him. Simple enough.
November 30th, 2019 at 8:47 am
You guys and the damn draft. It’s seven months away and 90% of the guys you get are busts. Relax and enjoy the season as it unfolds.
Big Dot has been very good here and still plays hard. All you guys that cry a lot never played one down of football.
November 30th, 2019 at 9:01 am
LT – Draft
LG- Donovan Smith
C – Jensen
RG – Marpet
RT – Cappa
November 30th, 2019 at 10:21 am
PFF TRIBE-they are good for documenting formations and player groups and that’s about it. The grades they give players are silly because they do not know what anyone’s responsibility is on any given play. When you read their graders comments on the game that they review, it is comical. Donavan is a good player, not great, and not terrible. They have #45 with a grade of 41 and the one of the worst linebackers in the league. Whatever they read about players, the grades reflect that.
November 30th, 2019 at 12:02 pm
2nd round….Mekhi Becton 6’7 368….go watch some vid of him, he stones DE’s!! Start him at RT and if we need to move on from Smith, we’ll have our guy.
December 1st, 2019 at 8:51 am
Jim says,
“LT – Draft
LG- Donovan Smith
C – Jensen
RG – Marpet
RT – Cappa
Cappa does not have arm reach to play tackle in the NFL. Smith makes too much to play Guard.