No “Top-100” Help For Bucs’ O-Line
March 15th, 2015
So where will the Buccaneers find offensive line help?
NFL.com pumped out a running rankings of the top-100 available free agents and, of course, plenty of names are off that board following a flurry of signings.
Only three offensive linemen remain, but none look like a fit in Tampa.
Longtime Texans center Chris Myers is known as a zone-blocking guy. Ex-Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski, aka Wiz, visited the Bucs quickly when the free agency dinner bell rang, but he left town to see other teams. Ex-Falcons guard Justin Blaylock has played on some terrible offensive lines, and Joe suspects if new Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter thought he was any good, then he’d already be a Buccaneer.
But Blaylock played left guard in Atlanta, and the Bucs are committed to barbecue-yearning Logan Mankins.
Tampa Bay is exercising patience, and as astute NFL followers know, teams that draft an offensive lineman in the first two rounds are likely to cut or trade an offensive lineman. There’s also the situation of right guard Jahri Evans and the Saints to monitor, as New Orleans digs out of salary cap hell.
March 15th, 2015 at 11:33 am
Is there ANY chance that Pamphile or Edwards could still develop into starters?
I don’t have an answer or opinion there so it’s a genuine question.
I really wish Matt Patchan could develop. Local kid with a great bloodline alas also a history of injury.
March 15th, 2015 at 11:44 am
I understand L&L being gun-shy on UFA’s this year. But when you are 2-14 and have BIG holes on the O line and DE, overpay if you must.
March 15th, 2015 at 11:47 am
Ok Guys. Remember what happened last year. I was one of those idiots who said, “don’t worry, we can pick up a couple of great, older offensive linemen that will be cut following the draft.”
Remember what happened? No one was cut. There was a load of talent taken in the draft, but somehow that didn’t translate to experienced OL players hitting the streets. Never remember that happening and it caught us all by the short hairs. No where to go last year.
So, am I willing to risk the same thing this year again? Absolutely not. We have to sign a Free Agent, trade for a starter or two or draft at least 2 starters.
March 15th, 2015 at 11:49 am
It’s a Bucs life!
March 15th, 2015 at 11:51 am
To bad the Bears didn’t have any washed up oline that need prove it deals. Seems like a requirement
March 15th, 2015 at 11:52 am
At least u gotta give them credit for being patient. With that being said, we need to explore trades…sign some people or do something…what the hell Lovie…y do u have suck a$$ offensive lines everywhere u go? U need some self evaluation there buddy…
March 15th, 2015 at 11:57 am
In the wise words of my friend…..
“Embrace the suck”
March 15th, 2015 at 11:59 am
The way I see it is the Bucs must have a plan to fix the O line. Either that or they feel close to ready to go with help in the draft and some minor tweaking.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:03 pm
I bet they are looking at all the undrafted players that are going to be available and pick from them. Some will be raw but talented, some undersized but can do the job and some will have a short career in the NFL.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:14 pm
We have the #1 waiver position, I believe. Good spot to have first dibs on a quality cut player. There will be a few. Bucs are playing this correctly. I’m sure there’s a few trade offers as well.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:22 pm
I’d like to pick up an experienced guard to play on right right & draft a guy to compete with Mankins.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:26 pm
@SPBF
Your question is a good one. I sure do not know if either will become solid starters. I guess we will see this year since it does not seem like we are bringing in much new blood on the OL.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:32 pm
The best thing they can do now is: Stop worrying about getting AP Minnesota is going to want to much to get him. Go hard after Greg Hardy, Sign Trent Richardson off the waivers (give him prove it 1 year deal) and Draft:
1QB
2Oline
3Oline
4WR
5DB
March 15th, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Personally I like an Fsu top 3 picks. Winston, Irving, and Tre Jackson
March 15th, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Should have spent the money on Iupati while we had the chance!
March 15th, 2015 at 12:41 pm
There were very few “good” OLine players in Free Agency to begin with. Franklin and Iupati are the only ones I can think of who didn’t get re-signed by their original team. Both had question marks about their game to one extent or another and both signed long term contracts averaging in the $7-$8M per year range.
We brought Wiz the center from Oakland in but he wanted to keep looking around and see what his options are which is understandable considering the Bucs couldn’t guarantee him the starting Center job because they have apparently decided to continue committing to EDS at center.
Bottom line – there were very few legit options to consider for OLine in free agency and the Bucs do not want to make the mistake again of grossly overpaying with a big commitment for OLine players (or any players for that matter) without feeling very comfortable its a great fit and they are getting a top notch player if the player is being paid that way. (See Goldson, Johnson, Collins, etc).
As I wrote yesterday – there are no quick fixes that will convert the Bucs Oline from very bad to good or even decent in short order. Its gonna be a process. Bucs need to draft well, draft high and draft often for OLine over the next 2-3 years. Then and only then will the problem be solved correctly.
There’s no way to understate the negative impact of Mark Dominic drafting only 1 OLine player in 5 years as GM. a 5th round pick who never even saw the field way back in 2009.
March 15th, 2015 at 12:56 pm
They’ve done a 180 from last year, and I’m glad about it. Why keep signing trash, we see where that got us? They’ve learned a lesson and they’re applying it. Let’s hope the signings they do make provide quality depth with the ability to start in a pinch. And that they actually draft a few starters this year. When you’re as low as they’ve gotten, you can’t expect much more. But it is a step in the right direction away from the get-rich-quick crap they’d been doing.
March 15th, 2015 at 1:28 pm
@SpBF – I know for sure Pamphile was classified as “raw” coming out last year. Would be great if either or both of them step up this year.
In agreement with Pick and Louis on the approach in FA this year, good posts guys.
March 15th, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Pamphile got good reviews for his late season play. And Edwards, another raw prospect, was reportedly developing nicely behind the scenes until his injury, according to PR. So maybe this O-line already has some pieces internally to improve. Also, an actual qualified offensive coordinator in charge, and some stability, will make a difference in the performance of the OL and the entire offense. I see them picking up one guy somewhere in free agency, or a waiver claim, plus drafting 2 more. Things are heading in the right direction personnel wise.
March 15th, 2015 at 1:44 pm
This has been one of the best thought out comment sections on this site I have seen for quite some time.
Kudos, JoebucFans.
March 15th, 2015 at 1:46 pm
We could of had Incognito but this team is run by a bunch of PC police pussies!!!
Same thing with Greg Hardy… If we don’t sign Greg Hardy then this team is pussified beyond belief and we deserve to lose every fuc#ing game!!!
March 15th, 2015 at 2:27 pm
I agree with BucIt941, drafting FSU players makes sense, go get them.
March 15th, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Our best bet is to wait it out for now, and use draft picks #2 and #3 on the best OL prospects available.
Surely some offensive linemen will get cut after the draft. Snatch up 1 or 2 of them (hopefully one of them being starter material) and we’ll hopefully be fine. No need to panic … yet.
March 15th, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo wants to point out that Brian de la Puente is available….Brian is a center but can play guard…just like the Wiz. Pablo knows Joe isn’t racist so Joe must have just overlooked de la Puente. Pablo is waiting for his Bucs to select at least one of Pablo’s hombres.”
March 15th, 2015 at 3:13 pm
A good defense and a good running game is what the Bucs need this season. Don’t put too much on the shoulders of Winston and run those runningbacks into the ground.
March 15th, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Evans and Jackson will be there for Winston. ASJ will be a safety net for him and the running game must be good. If the Bucs can put 7min. drives together every quarter keeping the score close they’ll be in good shape. The defense MUST step up by not allowing big plays, stopping the run, and holding the offense to field goals in the red zone.
March 15th, 2015 at 3:33 pm
For the offense that means short passes and passes to backs to start. Play action must be big, you need Winston to threaten to run once and awhile and a good running game. This is how you play the 1st half of the season, the second half is the same but with longer passes and a bomb here and there to keep defenses honest.
So I agree with everyone in that the oline has to do its job. So if the Bucs pick 3 olineman in the draft, no problem. I would like to see the Bucs trade Martin, Glennon, and maybe Goldson for picks and get a MLB and DE’s in the draft. I think Herron will be better with the new OC and they can pisck-up another free safety in UDFA and cuts or practice squad.
March 15th, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Note in Joe’s post the salary cap hell the Saints are in. So we tell the Saints Winston is theirs and we’ll pay their $26M tab for Brees but we’re gonna need their young starting tackle (Armstead) too. And their two first round picks. And their second round pick. And next year’s number one. Now we have a Hall of Famer and the best QB in the division, plugged a hole on the o-line, and have four of the top 44 picks in this year’s draft and two first rounders next year. Let the Aints worry about Slick Willy matriculating from crab legs to lobster tails. For those worried about facing Winston for the next decade, I submit that he’ll go the way of Leaf, Locker, and Johnny Football and be gone before he completes his rookie contract. In the mean time, the Bucs are beneficiaries of his picks and fumbles instead of its victims. Who wouldn’t make that trade?
March 15th, 2015 at 3:52 pm
In the tradition of giving great D-Lines a nickname like…
The “Purple People Eaters.” Minnesota
The “Fearsome Foursome.” Los Angeles
The “Steel Curtain.” Pittsburgh
We could start a new tradition for inept O-Lines…
The “Pewter People Greeters.” Tampa Bay
March 15th, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Saints are in a whole mess of trouble. They are $4+ million over the ca and have not added in their latest signings officially. They have to do it by Monday, so what for their cuts any time now.
Even if they cut Evans at guard, that will leave room enough for Spillers salary. Not the others. Not draft picks.
Oh yeah…they be cutting a few players.
March 15th, 2015 at 4:03 pm
Newbucsfan!!! Says
“For the offense that means short passes and passes to backs to start. Play action must be big…”
So you want Winston to play like Mariota.
March 15th, 2015 at 4:05 pm
donkc, no freaking way.
March 15th, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Bucs should grab Satele or Wisnewski /center and move EDS to guard then commit to 2nd rounder in draft….
Starting to think Lovie is only voice with all these bear leftovers coming in
March 15th, 2015 at 5:03 pm
There’s a reason teams let players walk in free agency, like Adrian Clayborn, I’m all in favor of getting rid of good players looking for great ones. More offensive lineman gems are found in late rounds than any other position plus they’ll be a second free agency period after the draft. Damn all the complaining about oneil cousins and Anthony Collins and people still wanna go out and spend money just because lol. Crying about free agents as if guards can’t be found in the draft……. Fanatic bucs fans lol you know the ones here talking like we’ll go 2-14 of we draft a guy, the ones who forgot we didn’t have a offensive coordinator…. Please watch NBA, not every player has to be in the top 100 to be an effective starter
March 15th, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Perhaps Jason Licht can pull a Mark Dominick, and find a Donald Penn out there somewhere. What a terrible mistake we made dismantling our old offensive line, in favor of some of these new Yo Yo’s.
March 15th, 2015 at 6:16 pm
@Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning
Bruce Allan was the GM who signed Penn. pulling a “dominick” is what Licht did last year!!!
Bruce Allan signed him in 2006
March 15th, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Bonzai..yep I was reading that about the Saints. That team is in cap hell. Looks to be all tied up in Brees. Good stuff. Keep cutting Aints, keep cutting.
March 15th, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Somewhat incoherent and weird post Bucs4life. You talk about guards being easy to find but you mention how your glad we let go of Clayborn who is a DE. Guards may be easy to find but left tackles and good DEs are premium positions and the Bucs have done nothing yet to address any of these positions.
March 15th, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Draft 2 linemen high in the draft every year until it is fixed. It’s the slow way of going about it but it’s the long term fix.
March 15th, 2015 at 8:15 pm
I have been sledding at over 10,000 feet for the last 3 hrs. I didn’t think about Buccaneers football Once during that time
March 15th, 2015 at 8:44 pm
@bucgator
you should be thinking of the Bucs. You are doing under 1 mph according to the numbers you provided!!!
March 15th, 2015 at 9:13 pm
I believe they will draft an OL, probably a tackle, in round 2 or 3. Then in rounds 4-7, probably 1 or 2 more OL. If you draft well and Edwards and Pamphile continue to develop, you’ve gone a long way to rebuilding the line with these 2 drafts. Of course, getting the line to an elite level will probably take spending a few 1s or 2s in the next few years, but they should at least be competent this year.
March 15th, 2015 at 9:49 pm
shoulda said ‘stuff’ instead of “s’it”
March 15th, 2015 at 11:07 pm
If Jake Long isn’t asking a ridiculous amount, he’d be worth a look. I know there are injury concerns, but if you can get him at a bargain, I’d take a flier. He had enough talent to be the #1 overall pick.
March 15th, 2015 at 11:10 pm
bucgator Says:
March 15th, 2015 at 8:15 pm
I have been sledding at over 10,000 feet for the last 3 hrs. I didn’t think about Buccaneers football Once during that time
…………….
every comment I have tried to make to you is awaiting some moderating thingie
March 15th, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Accidental Repost
March 15th, 2015 at 11:16 pm
My puter is acting crazy. i am wondering if it isn’t just Completely adapting to Bucs Philosophy
March 15th, 2015 at 11:19 pm
bucgator
Good thing you were able to tune it out and enjoy the mountains. Still no Oline
Used to hit Bozeman area mostly Bridger Bowl 4 or 5 times a year in late 90s had a buddy who worked there.
March 16th, 2015 at 12:05 am
Wow, slow day today. Been away for hours and no new stories.
March 16th, 2015 at 7:57 am
I hope you are better at cleaning roofs than you are at memory recollection RooferCleaner. also, it was Doug Williams who first saw Penn and thought he would be an excellent pickup not the Dummy.
BTW, the 2013 line stunk. Simple as that.