Buccaneers need to trade up for offensive tackle Andrew Thomas

The Buccaneers are all in on Tom Brady and need to fill one of their bigger needs at offensive tackle to keep the quarterback upright.

The majority of mock NFL mock drafts have Tampa Bay selecting an offensive tackle with their first pick. After surrendering 47 sacks as a unit last season, it’s no secret to the Buccaneers need to address the position with one of the top-tier tackles in order to give Tom Brady a fighting chance in the pocket.

At this point for Tampa Bay, it doesn’t matter who the top four of the 2020 offensive tackle class is, the team just needs to add one of their talents. Donovan Smith had his best season as a pro at left tackle in 2019, only surrendering five sacks and posting a career-high passing block grade of 77.4, according to PFF.

A scouting analysis of Smith offered by former NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock; now Las Vegas Raiders general manager, may provide insight on why the position of the offensive tackle they draft may not matter.

"“[Smith] was a left tackle at Penn State, but he’s a prototype right tackle,” Mayock stated. “He’ll be a starting right tackle and this guy can play.”"

Bruce Arians and offensive line coach, Harold Goodwin, already got the best out of Smith as a football player this past season. Maybe it’s fair to trust them with transitioning Smith to right tackle after spending his entire career anchoring the left side for the Buccaneers.

The impact of coronavirus puts a shadow of a doubt for any offseason activities to take place. With the potential of the NFL season starting on the fly, and Tampa Bay’s clear intent of being in win-now mode, the Buccaneers will need to come out of this draft with a polished offensive tackle prospect.

The Buccaneers have to trade up for Andrew Thomas

Thomas enters the draft as the most polished left tackle prospect and could come in immediately to protect Brady’s blindside. Thomas possesses such elite strength it’s already on par with some of the top left tackles in the NFL.

Tampa Bay also has the luxury to keep Smith at left tackle since Thomas brings experience from playing right tackle at Georgia. The Buccaneers do need to fill needs at safety, running back, and defensive line, but trading up to acquire Thomas may not be too steep for a franchise looking to win immediately.

According to the draftek.com’s NFL Draft Pick Trade Value Chart, Tampa Bay could move up to the Arizona Cardinals’ eighth pick while only giving up minimal draft capital. The Buccaneers could offer Arizona their 14th, 76th, 194th picks to come close to what the value is of the Cardinals’ eighth pick is.

The Cardinals are also reportedly looking to trade down in the first round as well, which gives Tampa Bay a realistic trade partner in order for the team to move up and grab Thomas.

After playing a total of 1,075 pass-blocking snaps at Georgia, Thomas only surrendered five sacks and 25 hurries, according to PFF. Many scouts and draft analysts rave about Thomas’ technique for an offensive tackle. NBC Sports Rotoworld NFL Draft analyst, Thor Nystrom, gave a huge vote of confidence for Thomas after evaluating his tape.

"“Thomas’ is a well-built banger with easy athleticism and prodigious brute strength, with a ferocious punch that has sent future NFL edge rushers flying. In pass-pro, Thomas sets a nice wide base and leans on his power to keep his man outside and his flexibility and quick feet to keep them in front of him. he doesn’t take plays off, and the former four-star prospect has drawn raves for his character.”"

Dominating at a level Thomas did playing left tackle in a conference like the SEC shouldn’t be overlooked at all as stated from the analysis. Thomas kept future first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson in check when facing off against the highly thought of edge prospect.

The Buccaneers need a proven track record like Thomas possesses in order to compete right away. Tampa Bay needs to eliminate the number of sacks the offensive line surrendered last season, and the Georiga standout could come in immediately and give them a great commodity in doing so.

Giving Brady all the time he needs to get the football in the hands of his weapons is the goal for the Buccaneers entering the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas is the ideal candidate to help them achieve that goal while proving that from day one as a starter for Tampa Bay.