The Pewter Plank
FanSided

4 Buccaneers who still have to prove themselves in 2018

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with head coach Dirk Koetter during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with head coach Dirk Koetter during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears rushes against Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

LT Donovan Smith

Tampa Bay selected Donovan Smith in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the hope that he could protect Jameis Winston‘s blindside.

Smith has performed no better than league average at left tackle. Smith is inconsistent in pass sets and the Buccaneers don’t trust running behind him on outside runs. Even with strong run blocker Ali Marpet beside him, Smith hasn’t proven to be strong in either situation.

The Penn State product does deserve a ton of credit for staying on the field. Smith has yet to miss a game in a Buccaneers uniform. He is a warrior.

General manager Jason Licht has to be careful about giving Smith a long-term deal unless he plays at his best for the rest of the season. Smith is going to ask for elite tackle money, and he doesn’t deserve it at this point.

There is still plenty of time for Smith to prove his worth. Smith will be matched up with top-tier pass rushers as the season continues. If he holds his own, perhaps he can earn a new contract.

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