The Pewter Plank
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5 offseason improvements the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must make

By Jerry Stalheim

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes to wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 (not in frame) in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes to wide receiver Chris Godwin #12 (not in frame) in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 18: Center Joe Hawley #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepares to snap the football during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 18: Center Joe Hawley #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepares to snap the football during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 40-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

The offensive line is another big focus for Tampa Bay as it had one of the worst run games (as mentioned earlier), and allowed Fitzpatrick and Winston to be sacked 41 times last season. The website Pro Football Focus graded the Buccaneers offensive line as the 20th ranked line in the NFL and mentioned that only Ali Marpet’s play received good reviews.

My feeling is that the offensive line could be the biggest need. It’s evident that a starting right guard is needed, and with Demar Dotson’s age and Donovan Smith is a free agent that possibly both tackles may be required.

Buccaneers must revamp offensive line in 2019. light. Related Story

Granted Marpet, Ryan Jensen, and Smith all played 100% of the offensive snaps last season but how often is that going to happen?

Potentially then 2-3 new starters may need to be found on the offensive line in free agency or through the draft. With the fifth pick in the Draft, a premier offensive lineman may end up being the selection because as the Bucs have shown, finding starting premier offensive linemen in free agency can be dicey.

Figuring out the wide receiving corps may be another issue if Desean Jackson decides he wants out or is released for cap room, and if the Bucs are unable to re-sign free agent Adam Humphries.

Now let’s move onto the defensive improvements that need to be made this offseason.

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