The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Predicting the final 53-man roster

By Douglas O'Connor

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings puts pressure on quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Donovan Smith #76 sets a block during the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings puts pressure on quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Donovan Smith #76 sets a block during the preseason game on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

Offensive Linemen: Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile, Ali Marpet, J.R. Sweezy, Demar Dotson, Evan Smith, Joe Hawley, Caleb Benenoch and Leonard Wester

I would be very surprised if these aren’t the lineman that the Buccaneers keep on this years 53 man roster. If the Bucs do want to carry another lineman for what ever reason, look for it to be Michael Liedtke. He has been the only player to get time with the starters in practice or a game besides the nine listed above.

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Despite Marpet’s move to center, Hawley and Smith make a ton of sens to make the team due to their versatility in case of injury. Depth has been a struggle over the past few years and it appears that with Marpet’s move and a *hopefully* healthy J.R. Sweezy, Hawley and Smith will provide depth at multiple positions. Their starting experience is a major bonus in that situation.

Of course, Sweezy’s health is a concern. To miss an entire season due to a back injury then return at 100% is a tall order for anyone. However, if this offensive line is at full strength, it could be one of the better units across the league. Keep Winston upright and open holes for the backs, cut down on stupid penalties and mental mistakes, and continue to gel as a young up-and-coming unit.

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