The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers: 4 ingredients to a winning recipe next year

By Rob Leeds

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 27: Carlton Davis #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneer punches the ground as Tajae Sharpe #19 of the Tennessee Titans is congratulated by teammate Taylor Lewan #77 on scoring a touchdown during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 27: Carlton Davis #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneer punches the ground as Tajae Sharpe #19 of the Tennessee Titans is congratulated by teammate Taylor Lewan #77 on scoring a touchdown during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 16: Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 16: Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Draft at least one offensive lineman

In this scenario it is automatically assumed that the Bucs will be sticking with Jameis or will make some sort of surprising trade for another veteran quarterback. No matter who the Bucs have playing under center they will most likely need two new tackles and will have to look to fill these holes in the draft as trading for a tackle is often expensive (see Laremy Tunsil).

Demar Dotson and Donovan Smith are simply not cutting it on the outside. Regardless of their pay the Bucs will have to move on from using this duo on the field at the same time. The best case scenario is that the Buccaneers could find two replacements for their tackles but in all likelihood the Bucs will draft a new left tackle to replace Dotson and could then move Donovan Smith to right tackle.

Dotson and Smith grade out to a 62.2 and a 66.0 respectively according to PFF. Together these two have combined for 9 penalties and 5 sacks. The Buccaneer offensive line as a whole is middle of the pack in the league due to the strong core that anchors the group in the middle and Alex Cappa is young but is trending up. The Bucs could also look to use another pick to add some depth on the line that is often derailed by injuries. Regardless of who they take and for what position, the Bucs will have to invest in drafting some offensive linemen.

Home/Bucs News