Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Jensen or Mike Pouncey?

Former Ravens offensive lineman already had his free-agency visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and left One Buc Place without a contract. Instead, he moved on to Indianapolis for the second and currently the last known leg of his contract tour.

So now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will wait for word from Jensen and his people to find out if the versatile lineman will be joining the franchise. Or will they?

The same day Jensen left for Indianapolis, news broke the Miami Dolphins had been asked by center Mike Pouncey to be released.

As I tweeted from the Locked on Bucs podcast twitter account:

Of course, at the time it was pure conjecture on my part. The team needs interior line help, and one like Pouncey doesn’t come available all the time. So it’s simple math, right?

Well, my own gut reaction was later confirmed when it was reported by ESPN’s Jenna Laine that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had looked into Pouncey.

It would appear that while the team still awaits the results of Jensen’s visit with the Colts, a new player has entered the arena.

Now, we’re not currently certain of just how much interest the Bucs have shown in Pouncey, only what Laine reported at the time of this writing. Still, it’s worth looking into the two men and comparing them to see if we have a fan preferred option here.

So, let’s begin.

Ryan Jensen

We’ll start here since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started here.

As a sixth round pick out of Colorado State, Jensen surely wasn’t expected to rise to the position he’s in now.

However, what he’s proven in the five years spent in the NFL is that he’s a versatile team player who knows how to work and get the job done.

Never was this more evident than in 2017 when the 26-year old was thrust into the Baltimore Ravens’ starting center position. Arguably the second most important position on the offensive line.

Jensen did well. Really well. For one, he started all 16 games at center, and never looked out of place.

Considering he’d played precious few snaps in his entire career, let alone at center, this is a testament to his ability and preparation skills.

Jensen did suffer a foot injury early in his career. But it doesn’t appear this has become a lingering issue.

Mike Pouncey

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The Pouncey brothers were a hot item when they entered the NFL. Maurkice entered the league one year ahead of Mike, but the second brother got drafted earlier. Both were first-round picks, and both have had solid careers.

While Maurkice has been to six Pro Bowls, and been named as an All-Pro four times, Mike has been to three NFL all-star games and has never been an All-Pro. Weird how those numbers could actually be considered a bit of a let down.

The older brother may not have as many personal accolades as his twin, but he now has his freedom.

With it, I’m sure he plans to find a team he thinks he can help elevate to the next level and find consistent post-season opportunities with, like his brother has with the Steelers.

Unlike Jensen, who took until his fifth season to become a regular starter, Pouncey has been the Dolphins’ guy at center since the beginning of his career. In fact, over his seven year career, Pouncey has only played fewer than twelve games once; in 2016.

With his hip injury behind him, he returned to his team and started all 16 games in 2017.

There are highlights with Pouncey, but there are lows as well. One came in 2013 when he was spotted wearing a hat supporting Aaron Hernandez who had been arrested on murder charges just a short time before.

He also implicated in the hazing and bullying scandal primarily between Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito.

Still, despite these things, Pouncey was a captain in Miami. An honor bestowed upon him by his teammates.

There are more to these two young men. Yes, young. Jensen is 26, and soon to turn 27-years of age. Pouncey is 28-years old, and will turn 29 prior to the beginning of the 2018 NFL Regular Season.

While one is younger, the other is a Pro Bowl player three times over. One came in the league a starter, and has been one ever since with some checkered off-field behaviors. One has scrapped and fought for everything he’s gotten in the NFL.

"Greg Auman returns to the Locked on Bucs Podcast to discuss the Buccaneers’ free-agency situation, and more!"

So, Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, who do you want? Jensen or Pouncey? The older Pro Bowler or the younger unproven star? Or do you just want them to get one of them.

Both men can play guard, so neither signals an automatic return to guard by Ali Marpet. Although, Jensen’s history outside of center is a bit more extensive than Pouncey’s.

It’s certainly a situation to watch as we get ever closer to the 2018 NFL Draft. Thanks for reading, and let me know your thoughts!

David Harrison is one of the Buccaneers Co-Experts for The Pewter Plank. You can reach him about this or any other NFL topic on Facebook, or on Twitter.