Last Pick Standing
February 27th, 2022
Lots of reflecting today on Ali Marpet retirement day.
Right now, Joe’s thinking about the Bucs’ big grand slam of the modern era.
At the time, it was the fruits of the 2015 NFL Draft. General manager stepped to the plate and belted out Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Marpet and Kwon Alexander with his first four draft picks. Three of the four made Pro Bowls as Buccaneers, and two became bedrock players on the dominant offensive line of a Super Bowl champion.
Joe dubbed it the “grand slam” in 2015, and it was justified. The Bucs found a top-10 offense that season behind a punishing running game with rookie offensive linemen helping lead the way. And Alexander was a spirited linebacker and one hell of a fourth-round pick.
As of today, Smith is the last man remaining in pewter and red from that entire Bucs draft class.
The Bucs have one left from 2014 (Mike Evans), one from 2013 (Will Gholston), and one from 2012 (Lavonte David). That’s one reason Joe scoffs when people say, “Draft that guy and you can plug him in for the next 10 years.” Sorry, but that’s the NFL rarity not reality.
Later, Joe will remind Bucs fans of another important grand slam in team history that has an important message as we sit just 15 days from the kickoff that is free agency 2022.
February 27th, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Any news on Marpet retirement reasoning? He was due to make like 10m, and was the second best online men on the team. Wish him the best with his retirement seemed like a great player and teammate. Probably could’ve even been extended to new deal to drop cap and make him more money or seek a trade as he could’ve garnered trade value if he wanted to play elsewhere.
Marpet retires having allowed only 13 sacks in 4,418 pass-blocking snaps (played) across seven professional seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.
February 27th, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Something is going on in the NFL, I’m now very strongly thinking AR retires, he’s reconciled with fiancée and she wanted him to retire and focus on starting a family. That’s Ben, Brady, AR, Gronk and Marpet, likely AB forced retirement in a few weeks.
AR makes announcement Tuesday on McPhee, which if he’s seeking a trade would be a odd way to do it. He either returns or retires.
February 27th, 2022 at 8:19 pm
Looks like another very good player that is running away from bruce arrogance,
February 27th, 2022 at 8:36 pm
Proud Bucs Fan
Your opinion
My opinion is that yours carries little weight
February 27th, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Transition Godwin, franchise “pick one”
February 27th, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Go practice your jumping jacks dude, you’re getting old
February 27th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
it was hard to protect jameis…
easy to protect tom…or let’s say easier…
he will have to work much harder to protect the next “non goat”…
so he hung ’em up and will fugg wit his lil banjo by the river in a huckleberry finn hat while humming tunes
February 27th, 2022 at 8:50 pm
Nothing like a One Note poster posting the same garbage day in and day out. It didn’t resonate the first time and it’s even more ridiculous now.
February 27th, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Well it was great while it lasted! I think we should draft oline this year and be prepared to draft a QB in 2023! Fortify the trenches before getting your future QB. Go Bucs!
February 27th, 2022 at 10:09 pm
Dmn Jason L, i feel for you bro….you got some work to do….thats alright, we got this.
February 27th, 2022 at 10:14 pm
He goes put on top with his brain intact and money in the bank.
Market is a truly smart man.
In a year he’ll have dropped 100 lbs. and we won’t recognize him, like Brad Culpepper.
February 27th, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Man I am gonna miss him. Dependable and an anchor. Seemed like a good dude. Not often players get to go out on top. He has cashed in and hopefully has his health. Jason has his work cut out for him….fasten your seat belts boys.
February 27th, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Damn. Hours later and I’m just as saddened as I was when the news first broke. I certainly respect it but he was elite and there was little sign that he wasn’t going to dominate for at least another 5 years. I won’t play the guessing game. A whole lot of speculation as to why just like with Brady but all I know is this really stinks. He was easily one of my favorite players on the team. Nothing but love for Ali. What an absolute beast. He gave us 100% and he was a joy to watch
February 27th, 2022 at 10:52 pm
I guess that puts to bed once and for all any talk of AR coming here. He doesn’t like playing on our turf, he’ll like eating it even less!
February 27th, 2022 at 11:11 pm
Matt Blair was a friend of mine. He died young from brain damage from football concussions. Marpet is smart to get out while healthy.
February 27th, 2022 at 11:40 pm
“Any news on Marpet retirement reasoning?”
He had a bunch of concussions, didn’t want to end his days like Biden
February 27th, 2022 at 11:42 pm
DROP DONNIE!!! My 6 year old can block better than him without Ali and Brady. I wouldn’t even want to pay deshauon or Russ with him watching their back.
February 28th, 2022 at 5:43 am
Cobraboy Says:
February 27th, 2022 at 10:14 pm
He goes put on top with his brain intact and money in the bank.
Market is a truly smart man.
In a year he’ll have dropped 100 lbs. and we won’t recognize him, like Brad Culpepper.
^^^^^^^^
I hear (and see how skinny he is) that Andrew Luck has dropped about 60 pounds since his playing days. He’s definitely not coming back at 170 or 180.
February 28th, 2022 at 6:26 am
Keep your day jobs fellas! The schtick is old.
I wish Marpet the best. I’m sure he has legitimate concerns. Football is a violent sport. He’s made more money than most people can dream about so I’m sure he’ll be fine financially.
This offseason just keeps getting tougher. Licht better be on his game.
February 28th, 2022 at 7:54 am
I guess Ali will be seen driving his RV down to Key West and playing his ukulele in a Hawaiian shirt on the beach now.
February 28th, 2022 at 8:49 am
Undoubtably related to the concussion injury he suffered last season. Possible lingering effects and medical opinions influenced his decision.
Said he has made Tampa his home, with his profile and smarts will be successful in whatever business he elects to get into. 28 years old is a great time to start a new career!. Super player and guy!
February 28th, 2022 at 9:07 am
Bucs will be fine-last year was a down year for guard in the draft with only one selected in 1st round , however this years class at guard is much deeper and more talented. Bucs can easily get best guard in draft at 27th pick. RB Breece Hall out of Iowa State should be a priority in 2nd round as he comes from a pro style offense when he was with the Cyckones and can catch passes very well. I am excited to see Bucs upcoming season.