Buccaneers’ Jersey Countdown: Number 75

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (98) rushes and Rams guard Davin Joseph (69) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (98) rushes and Rams guard Davin Joseph (69) blocks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing our look back through Buccaneers history, who was the best player to wear number 75?

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The Buccaneers have had a rich history, despite winning just one championship since their inception in 1976. Even when they went through an entire season without a win, they sported talent. Lee Roy Selmon played for the team back then, and he was just beginning his Hall of Fame career.

From the days of Selmon, through the glory days of Warren Sapp and company, to the present with Jameis Winston and Mike Evans, there have always been talented players on this team.

But who have been the best?

Over the last few months, we have been counting down backwards by jersey number, through the history of the team. We are up to number 75. 75 is a number that more often than not belongs to an offensive lineman, so who did we go with?

He finished his career with the Rams in 2014, but he wore number 75 over eight years with the team. His name is Davin Joseph.

Joseph was a first round pick of the Bucs back in 2006 with the 23rd overall selection. Now, we know it is difficult to evaluate the value of an offensive lineman. The first thing we are going to look at is durability, and for the bulk of his Bucs career, he was durable. He became a starter upon arrival, and remained the starter at right guard until his tenure with the team ended after 2013.

For his career, he started 99 out of 100 games. That is consistent performance and durability. That’s a player that remained a trusted one, despite the fact that the coaching staff turned over more than once. Joseph started for Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris and Greg Schiano. The fact that he remained the starter showed the fact that his performance was respected.

He also was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2008 and 2011. Durable and quality. Two characteristics that are traits that all linemen would love to have.

The only time he missed with the Bucs was 2012 when he was on injured reserve due to a knee injury suffered in the preseason. Otherwise, when the Bucs needed Joseph, he was there.

Next: The Bucs Must Target the Former Jets C

That is why Davin Joseph is the best player in team history to wear number 75.

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