Invest In The Offensive Line
February 2nd, 2023
Turning point of 2022?
Joe knows this will get some readers’ rocks off.
Folks love to holler about the Bucs’ offensive line and act as if it was the recreation of the Bucs’ offensive line of 2014, which was truly horrid.
Even though the Bucs’ front line this season was, well, meh, it doesn’t mean the line couldn’t use an infusion of talent. Chris Trapasso of CBS types that this year’s Super Bowl, and the success of other teams in the past three years, should tell the entire NFL you can’t go wrong with beefing up the front line.
The Bucs proved it in 2020 when Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht knocked it out of the park by selecting Tristan Wirfs. One could argue the Bucs with Wirfs had the best offensive line in the NFL and won the Super Bowl as a result.
The Chiefs, who the Bucs clobbered in the Super Bowl, had a beat-up front line. That offseason the Chiefs built up their line and have done no worse than go to overtime in an AFC Championship game.
The Bengals have a trash offensive line but still were one play away from the Super Bowl. The Bengals built up that line (in part by signing former Bucs right guard Alex Cappa) and Joe Burrow’s numbers visibly improved.
Joe could argue the July afternoon that Ryan Jensen went down with a knee injury, so too did the Bucs’ Super Bowl chances. Joe has no idea what the team thinks of Luke Goedeke, who was a second-round pick last year. He struggled in pass protection and was benched. He played right tackle in the final regular season game and looked comfortable.
Obviously, there is no opening for a starter at right tackle.
If the Bucs are still up in the air about Goedeke, Joe would not be shocked if the team drafted another guard. And this year is left tackle Donovan Smith’s final year of his contract. He’s turning 30 and missed a bunch of starts this season, very uncharacteristic of him. Is his body starting to break down?
It might not be such a terrible move to draft a left tackle. The Bucs might not keep Smith, or who knows if Smith has a bunch of injuries (again) in 2023, or if he is even here in 2024.
Invest heavily in the offensive line.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:06 am
Here’s a thought. Move on from Smith as cap casualty. Move Wirfs to LT. Move Goedke to RT, a position he played in college. Let Stinnie, Leverett, and Jainsey battle for LG. Then draft and sign FA for depth. Particularly tackle.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:11 am
A day late and a dollar short.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:17 am
Smart people know that the game is won in the trenches. Investing there are resources well spent.
Wirfs, just like BA, Brady, Evans and others, fell into his lap. When the picks & choices are less obvious, Licht underachieves. Is anyone here confident that, if given the choice of the top four linemen in that draft, Licht selects Wirfs? I have my doubts. He does better in later rounds, surprisingly and he treats the 2nd round picks like the Bucs are the only ones that get one.
Yes, I’m one of those who believe that Licht is overrated. Lets get smart, we have to, now!
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:21 am
Winning in the trenches leads to winning all around.
Even if you have the best coach (we don’t), the GOAT at QB (spoiler alert, he retired), and one of the best WR (and or) RB groups in the league, all will fail without a stout O-line.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:24 am
Bucs D is the priority. Draft DB’s, LB’s and Dlinemen who can play – Bucs D gave up 30 points per game in 3 of last 4 games. The Oline will be ok if Jensen and others remain healthy. If you want to resign Dean, make it a 1 year deal.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:26 am
I couldn’t agree more. Target offensive line this year. Roll with Trask or whoever and let the chips fall. If our QB gets us to the playoffs, awesome, if we suck, we’ll suck early and may be in a position to tank (after we’re eliminated from the playoffs). Either way, the offensive line gets beefed up.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:27 am
Ive been saying it….spend that 19 on LT Jaelyn Duncan (might even have to trade up a few spots after he blows up his combine)
We’re in rebuild, so secure that LT position RIGHT NOW!!!!!
Smith can be moved to LG and I think our Oline is set a few years….well unless Jensen bolts, but i dont think he will. Luke can be Wirfs backup, Hainsey as Jensens backup, LG and RG is set with starters and backups….
Get Duncan Mr. Licht and the O line is set!
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:33 am
smith has to go……too many cheesburgers and penalties. funny to say build the OL now….AFTER the GOAT is gone.
ah well.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:44 am
This is exactly what the Eagles did, and look at where they are at now.
LOL, It was fun watching their big Tackle handling Bosa, all by himself!
I think we need to invest in BOTH sides of our lines this year, in the draft.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:50 am
We’ve got to restructure Smith, still got Jensen on yr 2 of his new deal, Licht restructured Shaq Mason to save money in 2022, and Wirfs is the only OLmen who’ll need a new deal. We should be getting Stinnie back, Leverett got a ton of regular season reps and faired well along with Hainsey. Goedeke might need to be cross trained this offseason at RT and I’m all for drafting OLmen like Nick Broeker or Jack Nelson or Drew Vorhees that have been successful(and atheletic enough) to play on the interior and at tackle in college. Josh Wells can be cut loose, but yea our OL situation isn’t all doom & gloom.
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:50 am
I agree with B-cubed, Wirfs fell into Licht’s lap, but you cannot deny that Marpet pick. Nobody bats a thousand in the draft, but I do question his neglect to address the Oline as key pieces kept falling and absolute denial of superbowl-playing-run-stuffing-no-game-missing-wall-of-humanity Suh
February 2nd, 2023 at 8:56 am
Yeah we should be thankdul to the Giants, Browns and Jets for the great gift of Wirfs. Dont forget that. Thomas the Giants selection had a really good year this season but Willis and Bechton looking like not good picks.
The OL needs new investment for sure along with other positions. The team needs some rebuilding and not just retooling.
Either you trade up (a lot of picks) and draft Young or Stroud, if the team and scouting believe they are franchise changing QBs or you build a better all around team and look for a rookie QB next year.
We re thankful for the 3 years of Brady (maybe the dirst 2) and the memories but we knew it was short term and we accepted that. Just not sigh a mediocre veteran QB and plan again short term. Its time to build a team for a decade and not for a couple of years. And that is only happening with a good draft picked QB. No more half measures.
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:03 am
Don’t forget Jensen has a out clause? I understand misery loves company but unfortunately there is nothing left here to see so I bid you adieu. I may pop up next season when Bucs are sitting at 1-7. Good luck, Bucs Suc. BA killed the Bucs!!!
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:13 am
I’m against moving Whirfs to LT, let’s not mess with the one sure thing we got. I do agree LT needs to be addressed. It’s rebuild time all over the roster.
Depending on the cap impacts, we may have to hold our nose and put up with Smith for 1 more year to cleanly break away from his contract. If so, so be it, short term pain for long term gain. Draft someone in 2024, but you don’t draft LT’s in the 1st round to sit for a year.
Drafting a guard is no silver bullet either. Goedeke was a 2nd round pick and using another high pick to replace a high pick 1 year in seems just as foolish and short sighted. Rolling with the status quo of Leverette, Stinnie, Goedeke and Hainsey may have to be the course too, and hope either Goedeke or Hainsey takes a big step in development.
A healthy right side of the line is set. The left side has question marks
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:13 am
or invest in a QB that runs a 4.4 40
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:20 am
What should the Bucs do with LT – D. Smith?
We could cut him and save @$10M then use pick #19 on a new LT.
Or we can just keep him – pay his $18M salary and hope he improves next year and stays healthier than he did in 2022.
LT – pick #19
LG – Jenson or Hainsey
C – Jenson or Hainsey
RG – Mason
RT – Wirfs
Reserve lineman –
– Goedeke
– Leverett
– Walton
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:23 am
I’m leaning toward biting the bullet and keeping D. Smith for one more season because I really want to see an all defensive draft – especially picks 1-3.
– 1st – OLB
– 2nd – CB
– 3rd – DT
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:27 am
Donnie should retire. Left tackle is a position of value but with a QB with some mobility I wouldn’t make it a high priority this year. Will do with what’s available. We can win with a decent QB and defensive reinforcements. Since we have a defensive HC I would assume we go there. In other words bodyguards for who?
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:28 am
A strong TE would also help the Oline…….we have made some investments in the Oline……Wirfs, Goedeke, Hainsey & traded for Mason.
We have other draft needs……..namely CB & LB…..
But, I agree….if the right player is there at 19, you can’t go wrong with Oline.
Trask would certainly be pleased. (riling up the fanbase)
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:31 am
Preaching to tge choir here. Maybe a one person choir, but I still think let’s not waste Jason and George this year lije we wasted Brady last year
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:31 am
Now a days Defenses move players around – so I don’t think it matters LT vs RT. Plus, most teams play out of the Shotgun – so there really isn’t a “blind” side anymore…I’d like to see Goedeke after an NFL offseason in the weight room. I’d like to see this O-line with a competent coordinator too! I like how the Eagles are built – Oline/ Dline.!
While I actually believe in Licht’s ability to draft and our teams ability to coach up Oline…I have zero ability in our team’s ability to draft and coach up Dline. (See Logan and JTS) Just like Goedeke – I’d like to see what he can do after an NFL offseason in the weight room.
Go Bucs!
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:52 am
There are a few mobile LT’s in the draft this year. One should be available at theb19th pick. Licht could then either trade Donny or move him inside. Of course knowing Licht he will draft a mediocre TE, RB or kicker with that selection.
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:00 am
Good ne f boy take your bandwagon self and go cheer for the chiefs we all know front runners like you piss Willy
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:15 am
@MadMax,
I debated someone a few weeks ago about moving Smith to guard. A guard needs quick feet and lateral movement, especially to pull. Smith has pretty slow feet, so it’s hard to see him as guard…or at least a good guard. But hey, at least Smith is a very big man, so he would be hard to push back into Brady’s lap.
Sorry, Freudian slip. I meant into the lap of whomever will be our QB this year.
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:21 am
@D Rok, yeah, I saw that too….but since we’re slim at LG I thought why not, and he can help bring along the rook….i dont know….im torn, i’d hate to let him go, he’s been a pillar….but we def need a new LT.
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:00 am
Tom, you don’t move a RT like Wifs to LT and think he’s going to be just a good. It’s a huge transition. Here is a better idea. Draft a starting LT, thee are plenty in the first 3 or 4 rounds. Darnell Wright, Jaelan Duncan, or Matthew Bergeron would be great. Long time starters at LT and great in pass protection and run blocking. I would offer Smith an opportunity to restructure (2 year) his contract and take a pay cut in each of those years. Then move him to LG because of drafting a LT. If not, trade or cut him. I would draft two of guys above in rounds 2 and 3 or 3 and 4 and rebuild the left side. Keep Jensen at center with Hainsey as the backup and replacement. I would allow Hainsey, Goedeke,and Mason to compete for the RG spot. Keeping all three on the roster as backups. Keep Wirfs at RT. Leverett or Stinnie can fight for backup spots allowing Goedeke to be the backup RT.
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:04 am
We don’t have enough draft picks to take care of everything, and oddly enough, the O-line isn’t even top priority. Consider the following:
1. This team is widely regarded as old and slow. Team speed is a priority. They have to add speed at WR and RB.
2. Currently have only 2 DLs under contract. None of our current free agents are worth spending much money on to bring back. So, drafting DL is a big need.
3. Todd Bowles has made it clear that pass rush from the OLBs needs to improve. They’re going to want another young edge guy.
4. Most of our DBs are free agents. No matter which ones we decide to bring back, an infusion of young talent is needed.
5. We have experienced players all across the O-line now and some young players with upside. The only guy we may lose is Donnie, in which. case LT is a huge need. Even so, we have a lot more answers on the O-line than we do at the aforementioned positions.
I’m not saying they won’t focus on getting more bodies on the OL, but it’s arguably lower priority than most of the defense and the need for team speed.
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:07 am
If Donovan Smith can’t play left guard really well then – walk the plank!
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:16 am
Having a great O-line guarantees that Bucs are always a good destination for any free agent QB, head coach, offensive coordinator etc. Getting skill players through free agency is far easier. Installing an explosive offensive scheme becomes plausible etc.
February 2nd, 2023 at 12:01 pm
I love the idea, but we have a defensively minded coach. The first few rounds will be to strengthen the defense.
Any O-line guys later on will be projects, and I am not sure Bowles has time for projects; he gets a pass for next season and then his leash will get really short.
February 2nd, 2023 at 12:44 pm
TRENCHES TRENCEHS TRENCHES
Even Marshall Faulk or Barry Sanders wouldn’t have averaged 4 yards a carry behind Bowelswich’s horrid run blocking scheme, executed by guys who looked like they thought every pay was a pass the way they run blocked.
Meanwhile, average journeymen get to 1000 yards rushing and 4YPC or more, every year, behind a good run blocking scheme executed well.
Load up on the O- and D-lines. Find those diamonds in the rough.
February 2nd, 2023 at 1:04 pm
I agree with and had the Exact same feelings about our chances once Jenson went down Joe. 100% agree.
At the time we had already lost (I believe 2) key offensive line men before Jenson went down and when he went down so hard it felt like a spear went right through my gut.
After that the PLEADING for Licht to act immediately! As Licht didn’t produce a solution immediately, the pleading turned into begging him to stop jerking around and add the critically needed support.
Not sure if it was some kind of false pride or his hands were tied and ownership wouldn’t let him do what was CLEARLY, and DESPERATELY needed or if he was threatened by the Mafia but he did his part in wasting our chances of not only repeating, but in my mind without that line in some type of “realistic” and reasonable good shape, he did his part of ruining Tom’s chances of helping us get to the promised land, well he also played his part in ruining Tom’s confidence and ultimately ruining it to the point that Tom just hung it up.
So in my mind as much as I’ve supported Jason Licht, he played his part in sabotaging the entire season which included my personal time, hopes, and dreams of football in general. I still want to throw up when I look back at the results of him doing nothing….
I knew then that we had no chance. I believe the majority knew we had no chance without Licht acting. Well I guess he did act… He acted like an ARSEHOLE! I still believe in him and I like to dream that he had no choice to try and help my own feelings but I’m having a REAL HARD TIME believing that! REAL HARD TIME!
IDK what happened with that entire fiasco that was 2022 but if Licht EVER does that again I will PERSONALLY DRIVE THE BUS RIGHT OVER HIM!
Which is a shame because I also believe he was the man whom made our latest Super Bowl win happen in the first place.
To say I’m conflicted is an under statement…
GO BUCS
February 2nd, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Been saying it for a while, but for salary cap reasons, you can move on from Donovan, then flip Wirfs to LT (assuming you have a right handed QB), and now you just went from a liability to perhaps having the best LT in football. You’re going to have to pay Wirfs a ton, so why not put him at the most valuable position on the line?
Then, if Wirfs is the LT, that opens up the RT where Luke can get a shot. But you also draft someone high, and Licht has the record that I’d trust him to get it right.
With Goedeke, remember that was his rookie year. With Cappa and Hainsey, they got to sit and learn for a year before being thrust into a huge role, and there’s no reason to think Luke can’t also make that leap, just maybe not at guard.
Also with Jensen back, you can then move Hainsey back to guard, where they were expecting him to play last year. Licht LOVES cross-training offensive lineman, so if Hainsey can play guard and center, and perhaps even tackle (he was a college tackle), that’s huge based on the injury history this team has had lately.
As for Jensen, his contact would make it difficult to move on this year, BUT if you’re cleaning house, I’d try to flip him for a pick, you might get a 3rd rounder, perhaps even slightly more, from a veteran team that needs a center. Just something to think about if you’re rebooting the team.
February 2nd, 2023 at 1:17 pm
^ Licht has been a dope here lately…..i dont know wjat his fn problem is…drafted a great punter, which i was calling for last year….i wanted Hall, needs some work and time, but the rest were awful…..sorry jason
February 2nd, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Agree with building the trenches. Enough with the small school glasseaters, Licht. Ali Marpet was 1 in a million.
February 2nd, 2023 at 1:45 pm
Is Aaron Stenie under contract?
February 2nd, 2023 at 2:27 pm
Keep Smith. Come on, people…you are saying he is possibly prone to injury now…after he’s been our healthiest player for years.
You are saying he sucks at LT…yet the man was having to help a crappy LG at the same time as he was doing his own job.
You all look at last year and assume a repeat of it.
$10m is hardly any savings at all.
TRADE MIKE EVANS!!!!
He counts $23,698,500 against the cap and will be 30 next season.
We could probably get a first rounder for him. He’s our biggest value player, and the 3rd highest cap hit (behind Brady and Godwin).
Trade Leonard Fournette for whatever we can get for him, just to get his $8.4m cap hit off the books.
Just 2 players traded will save us $32m+.
Then cut Cameron Brate (even though I like him, I see good reason)
Save around 2m.
Rework Devin White to add another year to his contract (this would be his last year otherwise) and reduce the cap hit.
Kick the can on Vita Vea and save a bunch if we have to, since he is onder contract for a good while.
Jason Licht can work magic and get us far below the cap, without having to kick too many cans.
February 2nd, 2023 at 2:44 pm
@TDTB2022
Nope, I thought he was an exclusive rights FA, but dude is set to hit the market recovering from injury as a UFA so maybe he comes back unless some team outside of Tampa offers/guarantees him a starter job.
February 2nd, 2023 at 3:14 pm
Trading Mike Evans is retarded talk, unless they’re just planning to suck. Evans impact is underrated. He’s our best weapon on offense, and he’s responsible for opening things up for Godwin. Godwin is great, but I think his receptions go down if Evans leaves, and the offense has to look elsewhere for big plays.
February 2nd, 2023 at 3:15 pm
Yes sir Tom…my thoughts exactly
February 2nd, 2023 at 7:34 pm
If (big if), the Bucs like Goedeke at RT, keep him there, move Wirfs to LT and get rid of Smith. Just something to consider for 2023 or 2024.
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:39 pm
You can never go wrong building up trenches. Yes, TRENCHES TRENCHES….
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:04 pm
Yes finally do this correctly…. Build the trenches 1st!