The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: A very early 53-man roster prediction

By Zach Sauers

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points out a San Diego Chargers defender before the snap as offensive guard Ali Marpet (74) and center Joe Hawley (68) look on during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points out a San Diego Chargers defender before the snap as offensive guard Ali Marpet (74) and center Joe Hawley (68) look on during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line-(9)

Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile, Ali Marpet, JR Sweezy, Demar Dotson, Evan Smith, Caleb Benenoch, Leonard Wester, Cole Gardner

Bucs fans should know by now, that General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Dirk Koetter were not blowing smoke when they said they liked what they have in their offensive line group. Now with every piece of that starting offensive line returning from the 2016 campaign, only three will have their spots back.

The consensus now is that both Donovan Smith and Kevin Pamphile will continue their success on the left side of the line, but the center will finally be a new face… well kinda. By switching right guard Ali Marpet to center, Tampa bulks up the biggest weakness on their offensive line and also creates a spot for the healthy JR Sweezy. Gone are the days of having Joe Hawley three yards in the backfield a split second after snapping the ball.

As for the elder statesmen of the group Demar Dotson, Dot sticks around like he rightfully should. Watch for this position group to reach a new level all due to the new center in the middle of the line.

After the starting five, much of the backups remain the same. Evan Smith and second year players Caleb Benenoch/Leonard Wester should see another season in the Bay area with Wester seeing more time as the swing tackle.

As for the final spot on the offensive line, that goes to the undrafted rookie Cole Gardner. Due to the fact that the saloon door, Gosder Cherilus, has finally called it a career… Tampa is without a fourth tackle. The former tight end turned tackle has a relatively high potential, which will leave Tampa in a bind whether they want to risk having him on the practice.

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