Finding A Tackle
March 8th, 2023
Tennessee RT Darnell Wright.
So the Bucs are in the market for a left tackle. Some fans believe Tristan Wirfs should just be flipped to left tackle.
“This Joe” is vociferously against this scheme. But Joe’s not calling the shots. So Joe is going to chug Pepto-Bismol and assume Wirfs will go to the left side for the purposes of this article.
What then? Joe is not opposed to drafting a tackle at No. 19. The Bucs won’t get the pick of the offensive tackle litter there and may not get the second-best tackle.
(In two of the last three drafts, the first tackle off the board was selected no later than No. 6 overall.)
Joe normally likes B1G tackles because that is, well, a big conference. They grow ’em large up there and often nasty. And the Bucs won a Super Bowl with two B1G tackles, so there you go.
However, Joe is intrigued with Darnell Wright of Tennessee. Last year Wright didn’t allow a defender to get a sack on his quarterback, Hendon Hooker. And when you look at who Tennessee and especially Wright play, keeping Hooker’s jersey clean is impressive. He kept Alabama and Georgia defenders off Hooker. Well done!
Plus, assuming Wirfs goes to left tackle, Wright is a right tackle. So the learning curve would or should be smoother.
March 8th, 2023 at 4:39 am
Already have our right tackle, second round pick Goedeke. Because of his draft status he has to play somewhere on the line, and guard ain’t it. Wirfs will move to the left, Goedeke right, problem solved.
March 8th, 2023 at 4:47 am
‘So Joe is going to chug Pepto-Bismol and assume Wirfs will go to the left side for the purpose of this article.’
And what IF Wirfs can’t make the transition to LT? We’d then have 2 awesome RTs.
Don’t like the idea of counting on a rookie to start. Yesterday we had a decent OLine in the hopper to support a new QB & a (hopefully) revived attack with D Smith, Hainsey, Jensen, Mason & Wirfs. Now we’ve not only lost Smith, but we’re also ASSUMING that Wirfs can successfully handle the move to LT AND that a rookie drafted with our top pick can start at RT. Throw in that Hainsey hasn’t gotten much work at LG, that Jensen is returning from a major injury, and that Mason could very well be the next salary CAP casualty and voila … our OLine just went from solid to one giant question mark.
March 8th, 2023 at 4:53 am
And Hodad, I definitely don’t like the idea of counting on Goedeke to start at RT. He MAY very well turn out fine there, but I wasn’t all that impressed with what I saw in him last year. He was put into an unfair situation I know, but there are no guarantees he can start somewhere else on the OLine this year.
March 8th, 2023 at 4:54 am
Which comes first in the draft – LT, OLB/DE or CB? I’ve seen Joe say we need all of them in the 1st round. I don’t see the Bucs getting any more day 1 picks, so we need to load up on day 2 picks.
Trade back for a mid-20s 1st rounder and a 3rd round pick (possibly a fourth also depending on how far back you go). Though I doubt the Bucs will do it, I would like to see the Bucs trade a player (Devin White?) for a 2nd and 3rd rounder. That would give the Bucs 5 day 2 picks. That would help get all of the above, TE, DT and LB. That leaves S, WR, RB and G on day 3. Maybe a K also.
March 8th, 2023 at 5:21 am
“Joe normally likes B1G tackles because that is just a, well, big conference. They grow ’em large up there and often nasty.”
^^^^^^^^^^
Our women are too, Joe! Hahaha
March 8th, 2023 at 5:28 am
Hodad Says:
March 8th, 2023 at 4:39 am
Already have our right tackle, second round pick Goedeke. Because of his draft status he has to play somewhere on the line, and guard ain’t it. Wirfs will move to the left, Goedeke right, problem solved.
^^^^^^^^^^^
“Ideally, NFL teams like their offensive tackles to have 34-inch arms or longer to be better able to get their hands on pass rushers early on the edge.”
Goedeke has 32-1/4″ arms, which is considered less than ideal for an NFL Tackle, and why the Bucs consider(ed) him a Guard. Can he do it? Maybe.
March 8th, 2023 at 5:33 am
Defense Rules Says:
March 8th, 2023 at 4:47 am
‘So Joe is going to chug Pepto-Bismol and assume Wirfs will go to the left side for the purpose of this article.’
And what IF Wirfs can’t make the transition to LT? We’d then have 2 awesome RTs.
Don’t like the idea of counting on a rookie to start. Yesterday we had a decent OLine in the hopper to support a new QB & a (hopefully) revived attack with D Smith, Hainsey, Jensen, Mason & Wirfs. Now we’ve not only lost Smith, but we’re also ASSUMING that Wirfs can successfully handle the move to LT AND that a rookie drafted with our top pick can start at RT. Throw in that Hainsey hasn’t gotten much work at LG, that Jensen is returning from a major injury, and that Mason could very well be the next salary CAP casualty and voila … our OLine just went from solid to one giant question mark.
^^^^^^^^
Defense Rules: This was always going to be the case, with the Bucs salary cap issues. If the Bucs plan on running the ball more this year, which they say they will, they’ll be able to start a rookie at RT, even one taken in the 2nd or 3rd Round, IMHO.
March 8th, 2023 at 5:42 am
I have been able to watch Darnell Wright play many times and against elite competition. The man has incredible hands and consistency. He is at the top of my list of Vol draftees by far. I look forward to watching him on Sundays, but I do not see him being the top priority for us. We need to keep Wirfs on the right side if possible but if he thinks he is capable and willing to transition it is up to the staff to make the call. He has the all the tools, so we shall see.
March 8th, 2023 at 6:33 am
Nice find Joe!
I like Anton Harrison too….he’s going 1st rd to top of 2nd.
I dont know…I think we can draft one a little later on…2nd or 3rd. Thats where Jaelyn Duncan will be. That way we can focus on TE D Washington and maybe Hooker or that rb/returner Achane with our 2nd pick.
1st TE D Washington
2nd QB Hooker or rb/return Achane
3rd LT J Duncan
Might be able to trade down a few spots and still land Washington (which would help since we need more picks)
March 8th, 2023 at 6:36 am
The only reason they are not sure about moving Wirfs is their going to have to pay him more when his contract comes due. Wirfs is a great lineman the most athletic lineman I have ever seen. If Kelvin Beachum can play anywhere on the offensive line so can Wirfs and be more effective also.
March 8th, 2023 at 6:36 am
Keep Wirfs on the right side. If it ain’t broke……
March 8th, 2023 at 6:37 am
Who is Walker? Do you mean Wright?
March 8th, 2023 at 7:30 am
Would not but a whole lot of merit in Goedeke it looks like they are trying to find a place for him. He probably have a long career as a backup. They should draft the best tackle available when they decide to pick a tackle. If its a right tackle or left tackle so be it.
March 8th, 2023 at 7:33 am
Due to the freakin Cap our young guys already drafted have to play.
If Wirfs agrees to go left then it should be Goedeke at right tackle and
Hainsy at one of the guard spots so line looks like
Wirfs Leveret(or Stinnie) Jensen Hainsey Goedeke.
and away we go.
March 8th, 2023 at 7:37 am
Get a grip madmax. Hooker isn’t making it out of the first round. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes before the Bucs pick at 19.
March 8th, 2023 at 7:56 am
Yeah, lets start taking the 5th best player at every postion.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:01 am
Darnell Wright would be a smart pick. Other T/Swing OLmen I’d like us to take a look at are:
-Jaxon Kirkland-OT-UW
-McClendon Curtis-OT-Chattanooga
-Walter Rouse-OT-Stanford
-Javon Foster-OT-Mizzou
-Nick Broeker-OL-Ole Miss
Also, if Andrew Vorhees goes undrafted because of the ACL tear we need to give him a call, let him come rehab in tampa because fully healthy he’s a day 2 prospect at the latest w/positional versatility and plenty experience.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:13 am
Huh?
If Wirfs flips, Goedeke becomes RT, his “natural” position.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:16 am
MadMax Says:
March 8th, 2023 at 6:33 am
1st TE D Washington
2nd QB Hooker or rb/return Achane
3rd LT J Duncan
^^^^^^^^^^
MadMax wants all offense, I’d like 2 of the first 3 picks to be used on defense. I like the idea of a Tackle in the 3rd Round. If the Bucs are gonna run the ball like they say, a TE isn’t what I’d do in the first, although at his size, he might be a good blocker.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:24 am
Our needs suggest that trading back would work well for us….since we will likely need a LB, CB, S, TE, RB & Tackle……with that broad array of positions, we should be able to find good players later in the first or in the 2nd round.
Of course, we could apologize to Donny….give him a nice raise and bring him back
That makes more sense than 2 first round picks and $45 mil for Lamar.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:49 am
pick the best available no matter what. this team has to many holes.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:52 am
You guys and the @joes are forgetting about another player that got some experience last year and imo played pretty well for a first timer. Whose playing with his hometown team Brandon Walton. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts on the left or right side either. He played well in the games he came in for don or tristian and he can play both the left or the right. Also look up the way the coaching staff talks about him I believe licht bought him up in the press conference recently @joes can confirm
March 8th, 2023 at 8:53 am
Excellent point. Read over the weekend that only two NFL tackles have arms shorter that 33-inches. Most guys with short arms are moved to guard.
March 8th, 2023 at 8:57 am
He mentioned him only because Licht has a habit of rattling off names on the roster scared he may offend someone. Mark Dominik had this habit too.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:04 am
Good.
Trenches, trenches, trenches.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:38 am
I want whats best for the team right now in whats probably going to be a losing season.
Get a TE that Canales has talked about using a lot, a RB/catcher +plus returner (that we’ve never had) and that big hole at LT that now exists….that is unless Wirfs is ok with moving. I wouldnt mess with that. Let him stay our star RT.
Our 4th (that hopefully comes with a trade) Ive been pushing CB Mekhi Garner, he might go 3rd though….in that case take the best CB available.
Our ability to score and block on offense killed us the most this past season….so you darn right, im focused on our biggest weaknesses which is on offense….AND combining it with what I perceived as our new OC Canales wants to install….hence MY mock and what I hope we do. We’ve kind of sucked at high D picks the last two times now, so we’ll try again next year.
Fix the ground and pound this time with the best blocking/catching TE, a RB and a LT….then build from there!!
March 8th, 2023 at 9:41 am
@Joe Michigan…..yes, he’s the best TE blocker. Did you watch the combine on TE day? yt a replay from that day. Washington owned pushing that sled like no other. The other guys were face planting into it and struggling.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:47 am
Come on guys. All of you that think Wirfs should move to LT don’t understand football that much. Also, Goedeke might be able to play RT but he’s better suited for RG. Trade Mason. He’s too expensive and has some trade value. Hainsey is the backup center and RG due to his time invested at C and his time in college on the right side. Jenson is our center for one more year before retiring, just my guess. The left side has to be rebuilt through the draft. There are plenty of LT in this draft that can handle LT and also be moved inside to LG. I’m drafting two in this draft to rebuild the line.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:03 am
@ MadMax
While Darnell Wright has proven to be an extremely proficient blocker in pass protection, there is definitely room for improvement on running downs.
Nonetheless, his exceptional technique and quick decision-making under pressure make him arguably the best left tackle in the draft.
Regrettably, he won’t be there at #19 though.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:24 am
^ What up Luv, but yeah, he’s a RT. Only if we’re moving Wirfs to LT would I go there. And he’ll probably be there in the 2nd. Goedeke could be his backup or our RG. I think they will probably let Mason go to save cap. Then Hainsey is our bu C and LG/RG….or maybe starting LG with Lev backing him up.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:26 am
Well, my bad, he can also play LT, he had more snaps at RT though.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:32 am
MadMax Says:
March 8th, 2023 at 9:41 am
@Joe Michigan…..yes, he’s the best TE blocker. Did you watch the combine on TE day? yt a replay from that day. Washington owned pushing that sled like no other. The other guys were face planting into it and struggling.
^^^^^^^^^^
You may be right, but I still remember the OJ Howard pick in the 1st Round. I think OJ had better stats than this kid’s…Wasn’t Howard known as a good blocker in college? He was less than stellar in the pros.
March 8th, 2023 at 10:40 am
Don’t move Wirfs anywhere. Either get a tackle in free agency or draft a good one in the 1st rd…period. Fortigy your trenches.
March 8th, 2023 at 11:05 am
Potential Draft Picks (T, G, C)
• Dawned Jones – Height: 6-8 | Weight: 350
• Wanya Morris – Height: 6-6 | Weight: 305
• Richard Gouraige – Height: 6-5 | Weight: 308
• McClendon Curtis – Height: 6-6 | Weight: 328
• Nick Broeker – Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315
• Emil Ekiyor Jr. – Height: 6-3 | Weight: 307
• Olusegun Oluwatimi – Height: 6-3 | Weight: 307
• Joe Tippman – Height: 6-6 | Weight: 317
Potential Depth Chart
LT Tristan Wirfs | Brandon Walton
LG Nick Leverett | Luke Goedeke
C Ryan Jensen | Robert Hainsey
RG McClendon Curtis | John Molchon
RT Dawand Jones | Justin Skule
March 8th, 2023 at 11:14 am
Congrats Joe, you win. I was waiting on the OJ comparison from someone and you’re the first Ive seen, lol. OJ is completely incomparable to Washington! Dont go off stats alone, come on man. This kid could block OJ with one hand tied behind his back. OJ was big, yes, thats the only stat that compares.
March 8th, 2023 at 11:32 am
If the Bucs do try Wirfs at LT, the Bucs need to draft O’Cyrus Torrence.
OMG! Wirfs and Torrence would blow open running lanes.
March 8th, 2023 at 11:42 am
More than likely, Torrence is gone by pick 19. But yes, I agree!!!
March 8th, 2023 at 11:52 am
@ MadMax
Agreed! O’Cyrus Is a beast!
March 8th, 2023 at 11:59 am
@ MadMax
How you doing bruh?
March 8th, 2023 at 12:17 pm
I don’t rule out drafting any position in round 1 this year… but, with all the needs on the defensive side of the ball (half the defense is in free agency), and the offensive line already having options to field a capable starting lineup, I’d be mildly surprised if OL was the direction in round 1. Mildly. We definitely will need some talent added at some point in the draft.
March 8th, 2023 at 1:03 pm
@LUV hanging in there man and doing what I do…lol. You told me I had a (free) job to do and I felt bad, so here I am lol….plus I love my Bucs. But Im not gonna lie, if they had kept BL, I wouldnt even be wasting my time.
Plus, I really like Canales, he’s what I think we needed. Wish I could get paid for this, but oh well.
March 8th, 2023 at 1:39 pm
Would be great draft choice by the Bucs and would make a lot of sense if the Bucs are planning on moving Wirfs to LT.
Seems like some on here want to draft players based on the school they go to as opposed to whomever is the best player.
As a Bucs fan I do not care what school a guy comes from I just want good players on the Bucs roster.
March 8th, 2023 at 2:47 pm
@LMB & @Max
• McClendon Curtis – Height: 6-6 | Weight: 328
• Nick Broeker – Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315
either one of these guys would be a big get, I’d also like to see what happens with Drew Vorhees, had he not torn that ACL at the combine he’d be a top 10-15 OL prospect with his versatilty having played both tackle and guard spots in his time at USC. If he goes undrafted, I think it’d be a good bet to bring him in, let our training staff at him, and put him on the back burner as potential depth as a swing OLmen w/alot of upside. Mac Curtis is the small school prospect we all know Licht likes evaluating or taking a chance on.
March 8th, 2023 at 4:57 pm
Absolutely no reason to move Wirfs to LT. RT is the spot where has been near the top of oline players and no reason what so ever to mess with it. If he wasn’t so amazing on the right, I would say I’ll give it a chance.
March 8th, 2023 at 9:18 pm
We can get a Right tackle in Rounds 3-5.
Typically, you dont draft RTs in the first round, unless they have the skills to eventually end up at LT.