“I Didn’t Know How To Describe What I Was Seeing”
July 2nd, 2018
Alex Cappa photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With free agent bust right guard J.R. Sweezy out of the picture, it’s a straight-forward but unique battle to replace him in the starting lineup.
Caleb Benenoch is the favorite, rookie Alex Cappa is the underdog, Evan Smith won’t go away, and there are two x-factors.
The first x-factor is Demar Doston’s surgically-repaired knee at right tackle. His surprise surgery this winter is not a good sign for a veteran who turns 33 in October. If there’s a setback, the Bucs likely move Benenoch to right tackle and go from there. And Jason Licht might run to the waive wire in a hurry.
The other wild card is Cappa.
Joe can type with certainty that the powers inside One Buc Palace are very pleased with Cappa’s maturity and growth through spring meetings and workouts, despite no contact being allowed.
A third-round pick out of Division II Humboldt State, Cappa doesn’t have the typical guard body at 6-6, 305 pounds. But the Bucs think he can transition quickly from playing left tackle in college.
After Cappa was drafted, much was made of NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock making a big deal about Cappa having the nastiest film he’s ever seen (good nasty).
Well, Mayock was not alone. Joe went back to the video and former NFL team scout and current NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah had a similar take.
“I literally had tears streaming down my face because I was laughing so hard,” Jeremiah said. “Because you go through the range of emotions, Mike. You’re excited seeing how tough and physical [Cappa] is. You go through a little sadness for the opponents because that can’t feel good. And then it was tears of pure joy when [Cappa] just put it all together. “I stopped taking notes on it. I actually tried to draw the big-eyed emoji on my note sheet because I didn’t know how to describe what I was seeing.”
It will be interesting to see how much of an opportunity the Bucs give Cappa to win the right guard job. Benenoch was the No. 1 guy through spring and it seems Dirk Koetters wants to give him every shot to win it.
However, Koetter has proven that he does not value continuity on his offensive line. Just look at the bizarre rotation at left guard last season and Ali Marpet playing musical chairs.
So don’t count out Cappa. If his tenacity and strength can measure up in the pro run game, then he might be the next special Licht find from the small-college ranks.
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Regardless….we need another piece on that Oline for depth……a vet G/T type player…..just make sure nothing is wrong with his big toe (Carl Nicks)
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:40 pm
That’s one hell of a gamble.
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Joe Dirt will eat his lunch come training camp !….why do I have this vision of practice halted and a trainer running on to the field cutting their tangled hair apart… 🙂
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:54 pm
@AlteredEgo
Maybe because all of your Fabio fantasies never came true?
😜
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:54 pm
^^^^^ – thats funny
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:54 pm
I get that it doesn’t really count until someone does it under the big lights in a real regular season game.
But I do not understand why giving Cappa a major “opportunity” is such a risk.
If he hasn’t proven out in training camp and the pre season then he doesn’t play. But these guys have been evaluating talent for a living for their ENTIRE careers.
If they can’t see after a couple of exhibition games whether this kid is the real deal as his film suggested or simply overwhelmed by the professional game then shame on them.
IF we find out Cappa is not ready for prime time…hopefully he’s at least good enough for some emergency depth if he’s worth making into a project.
If it turns out Cappa can’t hack it then when the cuts start coming in training camp we’re going to have to find a discard we can sign. Some will be available.
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Gamble I think not competition brings the best out of these men let’s play the best players regardless of their salary/draft position
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:58 pm
@AlteredEgo
Maybe because all of your Fabio fantasies never came to fruition?
July 2nd, 2018 at 1:34 pm
@AlteredEgo
Too funny man, only thing is Joe Dirt shaved his head last season lol. Maybe Cappa and Jensen?. They might play next to each other lol.
July 2nd, 2018 at 1:36 pm
If Cappa played left tackle in college, doesn’t it make sense to try him at right tackle, and let Benenoch play right guard? I don’t get it. Benenoch is built for guard while Cappa (who is long, with long arms) is built for the tackle position.
July 2nd, 2018 at 1:48 pm
DB55 Says:
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:40 pm
That’s one hell of a gamble.
I wasn’t suggesting we pick up Carl Nicks…..Sweezy just reminded me of him…..and was warning to be wary of FA with injuries….
July 2nd, 2018 at 1:54 pm
This is one area where I think Licht falls down a little. If he was going to cut Sweezy, why in the hell did they let Pamphile walk?
Also, why isn’t Robert McClain on this team going into training camp?
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Don’t work about demar got married in Louisiana a couple weeks ago and headed right back here to one buc place to get ready for training camp, he’ll be ready to go so the line will be in tact. Some people don’t have to make their marriage public because of bad publicity (Winston)
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Cappa turning into a good NFL lineman (Guard or Tackle) would be a huge step towards shoring up this Oline.
Its a big transition – but hearing the superlatives thrown out there by guys like Mayok and Jeremiah after they did some study of what Cappa put on tape in College gives legit hope that this young man could be a great find in the late 3rd round.
Cappa will cross train at RG and RT this year most likely. Where he winds up taking the most snaps early in camp depends on a few different factors probably. Is Dotson healthy? Does Benenoch look like a clear frontrunner for the starting RG spot? Does Cappa himself look clearly more comfortable at either Guard or Tackle spot? These are things that need to be determined once the pads come on.
The best case scenario would be for Alex to pull off a feat like Marpet and Kwon did in 2015 – to display such obvious talent that the team has no choice but to start you from day 1 despite that not being the expectation. Justin Evans kinda falls into that category too although he was made to wait 5 games before he got his 1st NFL start – playing and developing well though as a rookie once coaches decided he was ready and had earned it.
The most likely and logical outcome is that Cappa will need at least a year of development before he’s ready for prime time and playing time (ala Benenoch who was projected as a 3rd rd talent). But if Jason Licht DID manage to hit gold again with a somewhat later pick – and Alex Cappa grabs that RG spot with authority from the getgo and never looks back… The Bucs OLine might just REALLY get fixed. And in time become one of the more ballbusting units in the league. A Unit that defenses aren’t looking forward to playing against.
Man – that would be something wouldn’t it? Draft a RT in 1st or 2nd next year and this OLine would be SET for years to come.
Fingers Crossed
Measurables – Schmesurables. Get out there sand kick some ass Cappa!
God it feels good to post about something other than Ubergate…
Try it. You might like it….
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:35 pm
Pete Mitchell Says:
“If he was going to cut Sweezy, why in the hell did they let Pamphile walk?”
Um – did you even watch the Bucs play last year? Sweezy and Pamphile were two of the worst starting Guards in the league. Visibly outplayed by Evan Smith throughout the year. What does that tell you?
Moving On. Onward and Upward…
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:44 pm
Pickgrin- Agreed with regards to the break from “the incident that shall go un-named!”
We need that line to gel and we need some bad dudes to do it! That run-game MUST be established if we’re going to be successful. That and protecting the QB!
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:44 pm
bucs suck
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:54 pm
We signed 37 defensive tackles tight ends and wide outs so at least we are set there
Our offensive line /running game is marginal
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Bucsfanman Says:
“That and protecting the QB!”
from himself……..
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Everybody is pullin hard for Cappa. Dotson will never be what he was. He will try to come back. But I think he’s done. Stick a fork in’em. Lets hope the waiver wires give us a little something.
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:56 pm
I mean Cappa is a hell of a gamble. With Caleb and Cappa manning the right side I’m putting my best pass rusher (Peppers, Jordan, Beasley) on the right side all game. I want to see a div II guy stop 3 of the best rushers in the league.
Then Winston hurts his shoulder again and BOOM 20 mil in Winston’s direct deposit.
July 2nd, 2018 at 2:58 pm
I don’t think benenoch or cappa are ready…….
this team has no identity…..i’ll give them one….VILLAIN!!!!!
now go get Richie incognito!!!!!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:04 pm
813…something like that….agree…need no not yet ready for prime time first 3 games of the year…3-0…is the ONLY way to think…it is possible one game at a time…
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:07 pm
DB55
I hear you….that is a heck of a gamble….even in marpets first year he was getting beat on some passing downs…..his strength along with d.smith is run blocking…..
if cappa can show he can run block in this league, I say roll with him….problem is dirk loves long developing plays….peppers, jordan, Beasley ate those up all last year…..
I liked wester at RT…..he played good imo……if the staff was serious about winning, they would’ve already signed incognito….imagine running behind marpet, Jensen, incognito……..but WTFDIK!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:10 pm
IMO…Cappa is not ready physically or mentally…not a good comparison to Ali…he will be at sometime soon…but not early this season…hope I am wrong…
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:16 pm
If I had hair like that I wouldn’t be alone with JW
(rimshot)
I’ll be here all week
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:21 pm
I’m not quite sure but really drunk and on some luudes…..back in the 70s….I hit on a girl at Malios that looked a lot like Cappa. She rebuffed me.
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:28 pm
SC- Well played sir!
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Don’t settle for status quo.
Go get another QB to compete with Fitz.
Don’t assume Dotson will heal. Bring in another OT and OG.
The work is not done…
KEEP FIXING THE TRENCHES TO FIX THE BUCS!!
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:32 pm
813
You get it and yes Webster and do you remember Allen? Black guy played center and guard, they are/were serviceable.
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:21 pm
I’m not quite sure but really drunk and on some luudes…..back in the 70s….I hit on a guy at Malios that looked a lot like Cappa. He rebuffed me…..did you really say that ?
🙂
July 2nd, 2018 at 3:39 pm
@ Mike Johnson. Dotson signed a three year extension last season and then had the best year of his career, I’d say he is far from done. He is supposed to be ready for training camp.
July 2nd, 2018 at 4:01 pm
Cappas arms are shorter than Ideal for a Tackle.
Plus, I think he’ll need a years seasoning.
Benenoch looked decent at Rt last year. Think thats where he’ll end up. Hes got the necessary quickness to play on the edge.
If Dotson cant go( and I think hes about done, sadly), we are gonna have a hole at RG
July 2nd, 2018 at 4:26 pm
DB55
josh allen…..he was decent…..he was a road grader….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
July 2nd, 2018 at 4:37 pm
DB55
OJ is one of the best blocking TE’s in the league. If your nightmare comes true he will be called on bigtime to chip and just flat out join in double teams.
If they overload the right side of our line we simply run the ball left away from where they’ve stacked their talent.
July 2nd, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Josh Allen is signed with the Arizona Cardinals
The other Josh Allen is a QB with the Bills…..
July 2nd, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Tbbf
Yea they cut him bc licht knows oline man. Sweezy, Evan smith and mankind who are/were all garbage in Tampa. Remember when Aaron Donald chucked Mankins with his left hand and then clotheslined Martin 4 yards behind the LOS on 4th and 1? Man wish we had a DT that could do that.
Of course, Jameis was the only one with enough balls to get in Donald face. Argh, it’s a Bucs life.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:04 pm
EDS would take over RG and Benenoch would be RT. This is pretty simple honestly to figure out.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:05 pm
Lol^
Something tells me the right side of the line is gonna be the weakest link on offense. None of this looks promising. Both Webster/Benenoch played well in the run but are pass blocking was like a sieve, especially in the packers game when we should have had it but the packers had a franchise records in sacks (on a down year for sack production from GB). We should not feel comfortable with Benenoch/Webster or anyone on the roster. Frankly we should be scouting the waiver wire for another veteran tackle in the same vein as Cherilus. Just as much a sieve as Benenoch but beneochs still only got a small sample size. Cappa won’t/shouldn’t make a difference this year. If he does I’ll always take miracles but I am not relying on it
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Our*
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:09 pm
My company cleaned Carl Nick’s Tile Roof, so I got to meet him before he left Tampa for good.
He said he felt bad things did not work out for him here.
Sweezy was a real road grader back in Seattle. I cheered when we got him because he had both talent and attitude. Too bad he got injured.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:10 pm
I see DS76 having a career year with Marpet next to him and the left side of the line being rock solid but I am predicting a lot of pressure coming off the right side of the line. It will be the offenses Achilles heel. Something like Cherilus’s Sunday night Dallas game all year long. Here’s to Dotson’s health
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:11 pm
We also cut Omameh….he’s playing…..
I agree on Donald….fierce…..I’m not quite certain you can measure the talent of the Olinemen that face him…..not a fair fight.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:15 pm
3-0
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:23 pm
We got to go up against Irving and Lawrence week 16, I’m sure jw will be hurt by then maybe Fitz too. We may have to trade for Sanu just to have a decent back-up.
I’ll be surprised if Fitz makes it to week 3, we may see Griffin after philly is done with him.
I kid but it’s absolutely criminal to see the Falcons improve their oline, the saints, Carolina lost 1 guy I think but the rest are strong yet Jason Licht doesn’t have a rg or RT 4 weeks before camp starts. Fire(able) offense imo but Jameis’s int’s though.
And anyone who think Jones gonna light it up behind this oline is just living in a fantasy world, unless the kid can play like CJ2K he might be sitting right next to Fitz come weak 3, but wtfdik?
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:24 pm
We’ve got Sweezy’s $6.5 million…..surely we can prop up that line or our defensive backfield with some or all of that money…..we are pretty thin on that oline….think about what an injury to Smith or Marpet would do to it.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Dont see fitz making it thru first 3 games with that crap on the right side, that steelers defense will destroy & confuse the bucs who might be reeling from a good saints n grear eagles D, not sure how licht couldnt see the lack of quslity OL the bucs have now
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:33 pm
@Bradentonbuc … “Something tells me the right side of the line is gonna be the weakest link on offense.” So far I see LT-Smith … LG-Marpet … C-Jensen … RG-??? … RT … ???. Yup, I agree Bradenton, the ???’s have it. Yet another reshuffling of our OLine. Whoopee. Two starters who are big question marks. Very limited depth & flexibility. What could possibly go wrong? All the ‘weapons’ in the world are useless if the trenches buckle. Licht needs to work some magic … and fast.
July 2nd, 2018 at 5:47 pm
“Didn’t Klueless state that Kevin Pamphile looked the best during last years camp? Jon Robinson of Tenn signed him away from Forrest Gump for 1.4 milly”
Kobe Faker
“I’m not a smart man but I know what love is”
Forest Licht Gump
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Why not Cappa at RT instead of guard?
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:11 pm
No one could be worse than Dot or commit more penalties
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:16 pm
Pamphile was made to play Guard when his forte was RT as an understudy to one day replace Dotson. Like Dotson Pamphile was a basketball player in college. But you have Koetter and Licht depending on WarFLOP to make good OL decisions but what do you expect from a Browns reject OLC who insisted on bringing two OL players from the Browns who were gosh awful. He also let Omameh go who is a good NFL starting Lineman now.
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:21 pm
RG Richie Incognito
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Man…this is on the coaches now! Fμ©k all this useless banter.
Coaching…more than ANYTHING this year is how we go as a team.
Go Bucs
#TRENCHWARFARE
July 2nd, 2018 at 6:29 pm
This would be the best feather in the cap of Licht if he works out. Kwon is so far as a fourth rounder but this kid would take the cake if he turns into a solid NFL starter. Go Cappa!
July 2nd, 2018 at 7:14 pm
I’m glad to see this guy here. The trenches can use some meanness
July 2nd, 2018 at 7:25 pm
But are you aware despite Koetter wanting to have Cappa concentrating on learning RT, good ole WarFLOP brought in a former All Pro Center to teach Cappa how to play Center? This is why we have not had a great OL the entire time WarFLOP has been the OL Coach. Cappa is a Tackle not a Center and as a Tackle he held his own against top DL from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and other elite conferences in the Senior Bowl. He should be prepared to play RT in case Dotson gets injured again! We have Smith who played well at Center for Green Bay as our Center backup!
July 2nd, 2018 at 8:01 pm
5 drafts in and this is our o line?
Jason…..
July 2nd, 2018 at 8:07 pm
Whoa…boyz and girlz….Cappa ain’t anywhere ready for Sundays…maybe next year…
July 2nd, 2018 at 8:14 pm
Chit in one hand and hope in the other see which one one fills up first.
July 3rd, 2018 at 1:58 am
Owlykat,
I believe you’re twisting 2 stories into a single one. Cappa prior to the draft trains at the o line performance facilities which is owned by former center (lecharles Bently). Warhop had nothing to do with it and buc linemen train to play multiple spots. JL drafted him as a rt but rg is a need
July 3rd, 2018 at 1:08 pm
D1 I was referring to Warhop himself saying in an interview he was having a former All Pro Center to train Cappa to play Center. I realize Warhop tries to move his Lineman all over the place to learn different positions but that was not what Koetter wanted this season. He stated he wanted Benenoch to concentrate just on playing RG and he wanted Cappa to learn RT. He never said I want Cappa to learn to play Center, RG, and RT, but Warhop just ignores that and does whatever he wants. If Cappa just concentrated on RT he could be ready to start there later in the season if Dotson has another injury like he did last year. I believe if Dotson is in good shape when our season starts we will be OK on the right side because Benenoch is a good Guard but was lousy last year at RT; thus my concern about RT depth. Wester didn’t do well there either.
July 3rd, 2018 at 1:24 pm
owlykat
your right…..warhop has the oline doing too many things…..he wants them to learn how to play all positions which takes away from them dominating 1 position…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
July 4th, 2018 at 1:12 am
The man may deserve a nickname if he produces during the season.