Work Began In February
June 12th, 2017
Eyeballed transition.
Yes, there are more than a couple of Bucs fans wringing their hands over the transition of Ali Marpet from right guard to center.
Marpet was a solid right guard, these Bucs fans cry. Why move Marpet and maybe make two holes when there is one?
It’s a fair question. The biggest worry for these fans is how long it will take Marpet to get past the learning curve, if he ever does (Joe is confident he will). Marpet had noted he learned he would move to center roughly a week before winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter let it be known publicly at the NFL owners meetings in March.
It seems Marpet may have been informed earlier than that. And once learning of his new position, Marpet wasted little time starting to prepare.
Former Bucs tight end and member of the Buccaneers Radio Network, Anthony Becht, was recently on “Movin’ the Chains,” co-hosted by Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Becht recounted how he noticed Marpet and America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, working out at a Tampa community football field practicing snaps and line calls.
“I was training tight ends and getting ready for the draft in early February,” Becht said when discussing the work ethic of Jameis. Then Becht added, “[Jameis] is on the same field on the other end throwing passes to receivers, working with Ali Marpet from the center position.”
Joe really doesn’t have much of a concern with Marpet moving to center. Joe vividly remembers Licht, on the weekend Marpet was drafted, saying Marpet projected as a center. Now entering this third NFL season, that’s where Marpet will be.
Given he will be playing between two solid veteran guards (Kevin Pamphile and J.R. Sweezy), Joe’s not worried much at all.
Besides, the way some whined about Joe Hawley last season, you would think Bucs fans would welcome Marpet at center.
June 12th, 2017 at 5:35 am
“Marpet had noted he learned he would move to center roughly a week before winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter let it be known publicly at the NFL owners meetings in March.” — Joe
Koetter knew he didn’t like his 2016 WR’s a full year before never saying it to the press. Fascinating.
June 12th, 2017 at 7:05 am
I think Ali will be successful no matter what.
June 12th, 2017 at 7:11 am
Marpet’s transition to Center will go just fine. He’s a smart guy, and will be an asset to the line for years to come. My question is about the long term plans at RT. I’d like to see Benenoch slide in there, but whether he eventually will is anyone’s guess at this point.
June 12th, 2017 at 7:23 am
Its the right move at the right time. Marpet’s athleticism will shine at Center. He’ll be a pulling fool…
June 12th, 2017 at 8:29 am
Marpet at Center will actually give us a pro bowl calibers player on the O-line as he will dominate at Center whereas he was a very good guard. If Sweezy can be anywhere close to Marpet at RG then we upgrade at the 2nd most important position on the line and did not lose anything in doing it. GREAT MOVE and I cannot wait to see how much better we are because of it. Hawley, while a good guy and great effort player, many times was just not able to get the job done due to size or injury. This will allow everyone to just do their job and not worry about compensating for those around them with limitations.
June 12th, 2017 at 8:58 am
I could see Benenoch starting at LG wth Pamphile starting at RT over old injury prone Dotson
June 12th, 2017 at 9:46 am
ndog nailed it.
June 12th, 2017 at 10:06 am
I think it was LUV who first pointed it out….but Marpet has the chance to be the next coming of Kevin Mawae…the great all pro center who played his first two years at RG.
I have just two concerns over our OL. Is Sweezy back to his Seattle form and health. Who is going to play RT? Marpet will become an All Pro at Center…lets see if we can find another All Pro for this line.
June 12th, 2017 at 10:27 am
marpet will be fine….its sweezy and the RT position that im worried about….I truly believe sweezy is ready to go and benenoch is ready to step up but if 1 injury to the oline happens we’re back to square 1…..if e.smith , Hawley or Dotson are starting games for us, we’re in BIG trouble….this is why i wanted an olineman in the draft….at least 1 swing player that could played T or G or G and C….GO BUCS!!!
June 12th, 2017 at 11:04 am
Coach just wanted the O line to get bigger & stronger. Presto ! It’s done !