Projecting The 2024 Starting Lineup
March 26th, 2024
Status.
Now one month away from the draft, lots of things can change regarding how the 2024 Bucs might look. And one man believes a future starter for Tampa Bay is not yet on the roster.
Over at Bucs Wire, Luke Easterling decided to cobble together a pre-draft starting lineup for the Bucs.
Two things jump out on the offensive side of the ball.
Whoever is starting at left guard will be drafted next month, per Easterling. The photo accompanying this cutline (caption for non-journalism people) is of Duke offensive tackle Graham Barton, who is projected to move to guard in the NFL and also is projected to be drafted late in the first round or early in the second round.
Also on this projected starting lineup is center Robert Hainsey.
Joe knows this will anger fans as Hainsey is not popular. But Joe hasn’t been told of any widespread outrage over Hainsey at One Buc Palace.
Joe doesn’t get the sense that the Bucs are actively trying to throw Hainsey off the pirate ship as some fans desire. That doesn’t mean Hainsey is safe; Joe just has no reason to believe Hainsey played himself out of a starting gig.
It wouldn’t be the first time Bucs fans and the Bucs organization had radically different views of an offensive lineman.
March 26th, 2024 at 12:20 am
For real Joe. I was frothing at the mouth during the 22 draft. We passed on a lot of good corners and a lot of other players and the FO drafted players I had absolutely no idea about or positions I disagreed with. Point being, I’m with you. They know what’s up and I’m in t he camp that is both White and Hainsey at fault for the poor running. Complaining about a players performance is a somewhat futile endeavor, unless it’s super obvious like JTS9 or Ryan Neal.
March 26th, 2024 at 12:55 am
The Bucs are doing it right. For the first time since the mid 1990s….Tampa is building the team right. They are getting Value from FA’s and are drafting better as of late. With this being said we will be 7-9 wins next year.
That is not a knock on the Bucs its reality of the NFL. Im not concerned with 2024 im hoping 26,27 and beyond are dominate years.
We are 2 good drafts away from being the 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, ETC all the consistant winners in our conference…………Yes the Cowboys suck in the playoff sbut they are a 12+ win team lately.
March 26th, 2024 at 1:27 am
Not saying it’s going to happen but if we draft a lineman how about drafting one that has played the position instead of moving them all the time. That’s takes longer for them to develop.
March 26th, 2024 at 1:39 am
I pretty much agree with Easterling’s lineup. I am not confident that Bredeson and Opeta will be the starters. I hope we draft an IOL in R1 or R2. Barton is a solid guard, and I’d be happy to get him.
March 26th, 2024 at 1:59 am
I don’t expect Hainsey to be the starting Center in 2024. There are some good ones in the Draft, they’ll be able to get one in the first 2 days. If not, I wouldn’t mind them moving Cody Mauch to Center, he could be the next Ryan Jensen.
March 26th, 2024 at 2:54 am
I agree Will. I personally think Center is more valuable than Guard. Specialized skill, touches the ball every play, way less of them. Look at Kelce with Philly, he had a lot more to do with the success of the tush push than he got credit for. And the Ravens Center (the one who put DW45 in the stands), they drafted him and will be set at the position for years. Going into last season, PFF (I know) had him ranked as the 5th best center in the league. Creed H. is another young stud with the Chiefs, and that seems to be working out pretty well. As long as it doesn’t take too much capital, I’d move up a few spots to get JPJ from Oregon. We bring him in, i think we can deal with whoever wins LG duties
March 26th, 2024 at 2:55 am
Omg. Again with defending Hainsey!
Wtf?
99% of the fans saw the same thing the past 2 years.
The worst center in Bucs history!
March 26th, 2024 at 3:35 am
Interesting that Easterling only projected 1 draft pick starting, and that it was at a position (Left Guard) where we have 3 POTENTIAL (bonafide) candidates for the starting gig (Hainsey, Opeta & Bredeson). Personally don’t think Hainsey will start at Center, Britt will start at MLB, JTS start at OLB, or Palmer will start at WR3. Do think however that Hainsey has an inside track starting at LG.
Convinced that Bucs will use a Rnd 1 or 2 pick on a Center and that he’ll start in place of Hainsey there. We’ll use the other Rnd 1 or 2 pick IMO on a DE/OLB who’ll end up getting a lot more snaps than JTS on the season (that rookie may not replace JTS however until mid-season or thereabouts). Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see us nab a veteran DLineman to start in place of Logan Hall (he’ll have to step up his game considerably if he expects to be anything more than a limited snaps rotational guy).
Also convinced that we’ll use 1 of our Top-3 Rnds picks on a MLB & that there’s a very good chance that he will start instead of Britt. Maybe not in Game 1 or the early season games, but Britt will be exposed quickly as a liability in pass coverage (just like JTS & Hall will be exposed as liabilities).
Some of the remainder of our picks could end up being key rotational players as opposed to starters. JL will draft a studly RB in Rnd 3 (or 4) to complement Rachaad (especially for short-yardage situations). Also think we’ll also draft a TE to complement Otton, especially for run blocking (Kyle had way too many snaps last year).
I’m still not sure how JL & TB view 2 positions: Nickel CB & WR3. Christian Izien impressed me starting at Nickel as an undrafted rookie, but I don’t feel that he’s the real answer there. He blitzed 56 times last year, and ended up with 0 sacks & 2 QB Hits. Also allowed 74% pass completions for almost 400 yds. Did get 2 INTs which is nice, but I suspect that Bryce Hall (6’1″ & 202 lbs) or 1 of our other CBs might end up unseating Izien.
Palmer is another nice story at WR3, and he’ll still see a lot of snaps I’m convinced, but I still view him as more of a WR4 or 5. Good situational receiver, but unless his hands improve considerably this year (57% catch rate last year), I can’t see him in the WR3 spot.
March 26th, 2024 at 4:00 am
Well whoever we draft in the top 2 and maybe even 3 rounds it’s expected to be two , maybe three starters. That’s our fan’s expectation and coaches expectations at least it should be for our team. Anything less than that was failure. Last few years it’s not been great picks. Cheap depth and quick fillers with high hopes maybe, but that’s all it’s been.
March 26th, 2024 at 4:02 am
Defense Rules: I respect your opinions, but don’t understand the “Hainsey would be a good Guard” thinking. If he was getting blown up at Center, why wouldn’t the same thing happen to him at Guard?
March 26th, 2024 at 4:57 am
I agree with you Defense Rules. Build the trenches first.
I would love to see
1 – C Barton or JPJ or Frazier (trade back)
2 – Edge Isaac or Kneeland
3 – ILB Trotter or Gray
3 – G Mahogony or Puni or Beebe
4 – Power RB Estime, Davis or Allen
6 – BPA WR
7 – BPA TE or CB
March 26th, 2024 at 4:58 am
Joe in Michigan … If I said that “Hainsey would be a good Guard” somewhere else, then I take it back because we simply don’t know that at this point. I do believe however that among Hainsey, Opeta & Bredeson that Hainsey has the inside track in terms of starting off the season at LG IF he’s moved to that position.
Everyone at 1 Buc Palace seems to like him, Guard is supposedly a more natural position for him, he’s got starting experience, he’s familiar with the other OLinemen, and he should get stronger over the off-season. Lots of pluses there. You still have to produce in games however, and if he doesn’t, there’ll be several replacements chomping at the bit to start.
March 26th, 2024 at 4:58 am
DR makes some good points.
I don’t see JTS as an every down player since he doesn’t play the run or get off blocks well. Might be better as a situational pass rusher on passing downs.
With all the O lineman on the roster and possible draft picks, maybe we should also develop a swing tackle to help with run blocking. Lets face it our tight ends are not known for their run blocking prowess. Koetter got a lot of production out
of Martin and Sims with that alignment.
March 26th, 2024 at 5:05 am
Also like the idea of drafting a WR. Fourth WR also questionable. Thompkins had 17 catches with on being a 26 yards TD. The other 16 catches only netted a little over
three yards.
March 26th, 2024 at 5:09 am
BucsGuy … Not familiar with Gray at ILB, but looks like he was very productive for the TarHeels. Walter Football’s analysis …
‘Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2024): 2-3.
3/16/24: In 2023, Gray collected 121 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and four passes defended. Team sources have said Gray has good instincts, but he misses a lot of tackles. He’s not super athletic, but he plays downhill and runs well. Those sources said they think Gray is a very good player overall with good size, length, and great football character. Multiple team sources project Gray to go on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he could sneak into the first round if he runs and tests well.’
It’s apparent that he was very very good in college in 2022 & 2023, but does that translate to the NFL? His 40 time of 4.64 secs makes him seem terribly slow for playing in this Bucs defense. Of course, Jeremiah Trotter is even slower (4.78 secs) so there’s that.
One guy who rates high (and is fast) is Payton Wilson from NC State. Not sure he could start on Day 1, but could be a later in the season answer. Walter Football’s analysis …
Payton Wilson, ILB, N.C. State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 233.
40 Time: 4.43.
Projected Round (2024): 2-3.
3/16/24: Wilson put together a massive senior season and was all over the field for the Wolfpack. In 2023, he totaled 138 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and six passes defended. It was a huge increase over 2022. Wilson flashed his 2023 play back in 2020 when he amassed 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and one pass broken up.
Wilson has good size for the NFL. Some sources think he could develop into being a starter, while others have projected him as a backup. Wilson helped himself with a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl. There is no doubt that he is fast and athletic, but he will need some time to develop the necessary physicality to be an inside linebacker in the NFL.’
March 26th, 2024 at 5:09 am
^ averaged a little over three yards might be a better description. ^
March 26th, 2024 at 5:15 am
Bob in Valrico … ‘maybe we should also develop a swing tackle to help with run blocking’.
Seems like we used to do that some when Dirk Koetter was here. BA also used it quite a bit if I remember correctly. We’ve gotta do something to improve our run blocking, and if the TEs can run-block effectively, I agree that we should let someone else try their hand at it.
March 26th, 2024 at 5:46 am
DR – I agree with you about Palmer being too inconsistent and possibly losing snaps this year.
But I disagree about Izien. Christian was quite solid I thought for a rookie (especially a UDFA) who started at nickle CB from day 1 last year.
The Bucs did sign Tavierre Thomas specifically to provide Izien with competition for that nickle spot. So either way I think we’ll have good depth at that position.
As far as Hainsey goes – The Bucs, their offense, the run game and Baker Mayfield cannot possibly stand pat with Hainsey at center for another year.
The Bucs need an upgrade at Center – PERIOD! If that means signing a FA or even making a trade for a veteran because the draft didn’t fall right to select a high end rookie at Center – then so be it.
Nothing is now more important this off season IMO than finding better players than we already have for both Center AND LG.
Bucs MUST get better starters at BOTH those positions for our offense to improve in 2024 and average scoring 25 or 26 points per game like we hope/know it can.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:00 am
@Defense Rules Both Cedric Gray did nothing but produce in college. His Junior and Senior year production are almost identical in solo tackles, assists, TFL, sacks(slightly less than LVD), total PD, INT, FF and FR with Cedric having having slightly more in the last three categories. His combine results are almost exactly identical to Lavonte’s in almost every category he participated in.
Lavonte’s Combine: 40 yard dash: 4.65
10 yard split: 1.6
Vertical: 36.5
Broad Jump: 9’11”
Bench Press: 19
Cedric Gray: 40 yard dash: 4.64
10 yard split: 1.59
Vertical: 35.5
Broad Jump: 10′
Bench Press: 17 (with over a 78 inch wing span)
They are both similar in size too with Gray slightly taller at 6’2″ while Lavonte is 6’1″.
Gray would be a great late 2nd to 3rd round pick to learn under LVD and potentially pass the torch to.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:11 am
Defense Rules Says:
March 26th, 2024 at 4:58 am
Joe in Michigan … If I said that “Hainsey would be a good Guard” somewhere else, then I take it back because we simply don’t know that at this point.
^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, you didn’t say that, it was a generalization of comments from other posters about Hainsey “being better at Guard”. From what I’ve seen, I’d rather Hainsey be the backup Center and not start anywhere on the line, but like you say, he could improve like Goedeke did.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:24 am
DR and Pickgren
Both of your takes can be true. I would add that if there is a better option at nickel, then he be might be better suited as a third safety, which would be a good
spot for his skillset. He was in on 65 tackles ,48 solo. One thing on his slot play last year is he also gave 365 YAC yards. Can’t say that is all on him though, it sometimes seems that they have to chase receivers all over the field with not a lot of safety help.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:30 am
Hainsey was Jensens backup.
He needs to be someone else’ backup.
Hes really bad. All the rating systems support
Id still like to see him log some time at guard. If the Bucs support him, give him a shot at his natural position.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:33 am
Probably pretty accurate.
Luke is a damn good draft analyst and has a really good grasp on the Bucs.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:49 am
PS
another site only listed 220 +
YAC yards for Izien. Overall I thought he did a better job than SMB when he played slot.
March 26th, 2024 at 6:51 am
Draft JPJ at Center and let the rest fight it out for starting LG. Bucs will improve their running game immediately with JPJ at Center.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:11 am
Imagine….only 1 position….possibly two in question for the entire team.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:13 am
BucsFan: I don’t expect JPJ to be there when the Bucs pick, if they stay at 26. I’d be happy if they got him, along with maybe 7 or 8 prospects that might be drafted in the Bucs range.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:20 am
BucsFan … Would love it if JPJ fell to us at #26. Everything I read has him as a Day 1 starter like Wirfs was. IMO drafting a starting Center is even more important than drafting a starting DE/OLB this year (for 1 thing, the Center should play close to 100% of the snaps, while a rookie DE/OLB might get about half of that). Plus a quality starting Center could immediately improve our run game, HOPEFULLY leading to a lot more 1st downs & rushing TDs.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:21 am
I swear to god some people have short memories. Licht AND Bowles have voiced their desires to get better up front. The reality is there are two holes on the line, a lot of great players in the draft, and a month until that draft. No team can accurately predict the exact players they will acquire. Have some patience and act like you’ve covered the team before and understand there’s 2 more waves of free agency AND the draft.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:23 am
Well, it’s not just the fans who would say an upgraded center is in order…
Our personal drafts aren’t being posted out there but the guys that are getting paid quite well are also saying they see “the need” as many are projecting our first round pick and need, is a center…. Or at the least, that it’s a pressing need somewhere close to immediately. So it’s NOT just some fans with a raised eye brow.
Right or wrong?
Personally I’m in the “getting after the QB” as the top of my wish list but a TOP FLIGHT O lineman (guard or center) is A Very Close second and I wouldn’t complain if one of them is our first taken.
March 26th, 2024 at 7:35 am
i agree that hainsey is completely serviceable at center, and already entrenched in the system…however hainsey will look so much better with the development of mauch and a ultra solid left guard by his side…
i am not opposed to hainsey rocking on with two stud guards by his side…
that works…
in fact early in the season i was saying hainsey seems to be doing decent in his 2nd season at center…but people were piling on him in here and swaying some of the others a bit, such as myself…
it’s not like hainsey will probably ever be an all-pro center…but the fact that the tackles on both sides of him were such a weak link last year – it made him look all that much worse…the entire interior then seemed weak or non productive…
also i like barton because – even though goedeke seems to now be working out – if he doesn’t work out, you can always move barton over there to a tackle spot…
and mauch – if he doesn’t develop at guard this year and come in beefed up – and say hainsey bottoms out in 2024 – you can always then consider mauch at center for 2025…
there are a lot of interchangeable parts with this line…
licht often drafts versatile dudes…
even later on barton can go to left tackle if necessary, and wirfs back to the right side…(obviously not, but just sayin’)…
so a decent, smart, seasoned hainsey, surrounded by 4 studs totally can work imho…
i like it
March 26th, 2024 at 7:59 am
All for drafting the trenches
March 26th, 2024 at 8:37 am
Adam from NY … You make a good point about Hainsey probably looking better at Center IF the 2 Guards on either side of him are much-improved this year. BUT … if a beast like Jackson Powers-Johnson (6’3″ & 334 lbs) who can plow people under falls to us at #26, we HAVE TO pull the trigger. I didn’t follow him in college, but every write-up makes him sound like the 2nd coming of Tristan Wirfs. Just can’t pass up guys like that when the opportunity presents itself.
March 26th, 2024 at 8:48 am
Confuses the hell out of me, Joe complains at the running game, but doesn’t want to upgrade the O line!???
March 26th, 2024 at 9:12 am
Hainsey is a VERY valuable player for the Bucs…can the center position be improved ABSOLUTELY !
and it absolutely NEEDS to be improved
March 26th, 2024 at 9:24 am
Go to the article on this site titled “Todd Bowles Selling Baker Mayfield Skill Over Moxie” from February 28th, 2024.
There you will see a picture of Hainsey getting dominated in the playoff game against #93 of the Eagles.
#93 is in Baker’s face as Baker is trying to step up into a pocket and throw that Hainsey has failed to create.
That picture was the norm for Hainsey’s production all season last year as well as TB12’s last season.
Baker deserves to have a center who is not a swinging gate or a matador like Hainsey is. Baker needs be able to step up and deliver a pass in a clean pocket.
The Bucs must upgrade the center position in the draft and relegate Hainsey to what he was, a backup to an actual good center like Ryan Jensen.
March 26th, 2024 at 9:28 am
they have plenty of guards, they need centers
March 26th, 2024 at 10:19 am
@Defense:
for sure…i second that…if that beast JP-J is sitting there at #26 you go best player available and figure things out later
March 26th, 2024 at 10:51 am
You guys are way too high on Jackson Powers-Johnson.
I’ll call it right now, I don’t think he’s going to be a very good NFL center.
March 26th, 2024 at 11:02 am
Please Bucs..Just find me a pass rush for the upcoming season. It was the main factor for over half of our losses. I don’t care if you have to make a deal with the Devil to do it. Just find one from somewheres.
March 26th, 2024 at 11:35 am
Not so sure about a round one guard. He best be playing center
March 26th, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Stop drafting small school tackles to play center, and guard simple as that. Mauch should be a backup tackle, not a starting guard. Van Pran has started 43 games in the SEC at center. He’s better then Hainsey right now!