The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: 2018 NFL Draft Needs

By Zach Sauers

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan dressed as the Grinch watches from the stands during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan dressed as the Grinch watches from the stands during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 09: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on November 9, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 09: Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on November 9, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

At first, I was going to put offensive tackle and submit this article for publication to one of my editors. I then second guessed my opinion and came back to change offensive tackle to offensive line.

Demar Dotson is aging and both guards are struggling.

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Before injury Dotson was having arguably the best season of his nine year career. Undrafted and underappreciated has been the story of Dotson’s career, but it should not be that way.

Leaving that for another article leads us to the fact that Dotson next season will be 33 and the Bucs would be wise to draft a contender for his position. Having young players grow in the NFL before finding themselves in the starting lineup is always a good choice.

Having two years left on his contract and after a stellar year of play can almost guarantee he will back with the team next season. Not to mention he is still here for cheap.

As for the guard situation, both JR Sweezy and Kevin Pamphile have struggled mightily.

Pamphile has been both a liability in the run game and in the pass which is why he shared the position with Evan Smith up till the injury of Marpet. Besides his ability to play every position on the offensive line in the last year of his rookie contract, if he does not come cheap the Bucs may decide to let him walk.

As for Sweezy who was never known for his pass protection, has also shown rust in his game with a lack of flexibility in the run. Understandable after a major back injury that almost ended his career, but will he be able to rebound to his former self?

Drafting a guy in the early to middle rounds who can come in to play both guard and tackle seems like a no brainer.

A GM should reinforce the trenches on both sides of the ball each off-season.

Players to keep an eye on: Jamarco Jones, Martinas Rankin, Austin Corbett

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