The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers Seven Round Mock Draft: Special Edition

By Alan Schechter

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De’Veon Smith (4) receives congratulations from tight end Devin Asiasi (2) and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson (78) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De’Veon Smith (4) receives congratulations from tight end Devin Asiasi (2) and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson (78) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Michigan Stadium. Michigan 59-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Bucs leadership has spoken confidently about their current offensive line, and while it could be smoke screen, I believe them.

Donovan Smith hasn’t been an all-pro, but he hasn’t been the worst left tackle in the league either.

The center position isn’t a huge liability, but has been somewhat inconsistent due mostly to injuries.

Right guard Ali Marpet looks like one of the best young guard in the NFL, and should be starting for the Bucs’ offensive front for a long time coming.

Right tackle has been a bit tumultuous as Demar Dotson has had injury issues and the recently retired Gosder Cherilus had simply lost too much to be as effective as he once was.

The left guard position has been a whole other story. Logan Mankins retired before the 2015 season, and J.R. Sweezy didn’t see the field at all after being brought in to replace him.

This caused a revolving door at the position and has brought questions to the line in general this off-season.

In the fourth round, Michigan’s Erik Magnuson brings forth some solutions without overly pressuring the team to put a rookie on the offensive line after such a hectic year.

Magnuson played right tackle for the Wolverines, and would immediately step in to be the expected backup to Dotson in 2017.

However, he also has interior line experience and could be used in a pinch if the team needs help at guard like it did at times last season.

With a class widely considered fairly shallow at the tackle position, drafting one for the Buccaneers with first-team All Big-Ten honors and the versatility to move inside, gives the team more chances to get a good return on their first Day-3 selection.

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