Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ali Marpet on PFF’s all-underrated team

Ali Marpet is consistently graded high and has been given a massive pay day for his services, yet has never been to a Pro Bowl; he has not gone unnoticed.

This is not the first time that Pro Football Focus has raved on a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as O.J. Howard, Vita Vea, and Jameis Winston have all been mentioned by the football analytics group over the course of the offseason. This time, it is offensive lineman Ali Marpet who hears his name come from PFF (subscription required), as he was named to their all-underrated team entering 2019.

Marpet was a third round pick of the Buccaneers out of Division-III Hobart back in 2015, and over the course of his four-year career to this point has been a strong and consistent anchor to their offensive line with 56 starts. Although Marpet has been such a stronghold on an otherwise shaky offensive line, he has yet to be named to a Pro Bowl.

For his performance in 2018, Marpet was given a whopping grade of an 82.1 according to PFF, and they predict that 2019 may be his best year yet. With the continued struggles at right guard and the aging on Demar Dotson at right tackle, the Buccaneers will, once again, need to lean upon the left side of their line.

Last offseason the Buccaneers rewarded Marpet for his services with the team by handing him out a massive five-year deal worth approximately $55 million; this deal, as big as it is, looks like a steal for the Bucs at this point. With so much uncertainty and struggle along the offensive front, Marpet will continue to be a stronghold for the Buccaneers’ offense.

Analytics are certainly on the side of the Buccaneers as they enter into a crucial make-or-break 2019 season. With Marpet leading the offensive line, the team hopes to rebound and contend for a playoff spot and an NFC South championship in 2019.