Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breaking down the offensive line
By Rob Leeds
The left side of the line is solid
Moving from the left to the right, the starter at left tackle will be Donovan Smith. Smith has been consistent in that he is always on the field but his play has left something to be desired at times. Smith recently got paid on a three-year extension and many fans and the front office hope that this will incentivize a better level of play from the veteran tackle who still has a very high ceiling.
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To the right of Smith is the ever-consistent Ali Marpet. Marpet has lined up across the inside of the line at both guards and at center. Assuming all goes well this offseason health wise, Marpet will line up at left guard this coming fall and will be able to protect Jamies Winston’s blind spot.
Following the line leads to center Ryan Jensen. Jensen just finished his first year for the Buccaneers after four years in Baltimore as a Raven. Jensen does provide some stability on the offensive line as a veteran player like the previously mentioned linemen, but Jensen does have some drawbacks due to the frequency with which he is penalized although often it is for standing up for his teammates.
While it is for a good cause, Jensen has to cut down on his penalties to be a rock in the center of the line. Not to mention, he has a big contract that he has failed to live up to after one year in Tampa Bay.