Left Tackle: Donovan Smith
Smith signed a three-year, $41.25 million extension with the Buccaneers to stay in Tampa Bay earlier this month, as the team avoided using the franchise tag to retain his services. Left tackle is not open to competition as Smith is the no-brainer starter at this position.
A second round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith has gone on to start every game, all 64, in his four seasons with the Buccaneers. Dependability and durability are hard qualities to find in offensive lineman, and Smith brings that to the table for Tampa Bay.
Is Donovan Smith headed in the right direction as he hits free agency?
— PFF (@PFF) February 21, 2019
His grade trajectory says so. pic.twitter.com/jaAd1WgbND
The 25-year-old has steadily improved in every season that he has been in the league as well, and looks to continue to strive for improvements. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Smith’s grade has increased each of the past three years, as he graded out at an above average starter in 2018 with a score of 66.4. This grade is up from a 64.9 in 2017 and a 63.9 in 2016.
Grading higher as a pass blocker than a run blocker, the Buccaneers have a solid and reliable left tackle locked down for the future. There is no need to look to address this position any further unless Smith bottoms out in 2018, which his trajectory indicates is a long shot to happen.