The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fielded a mediocre offensive line for a long time now, but all of that could change during this upcoming season.
Outside of quarterback, having a solid offensive line is one of the most critical positions to focus on for that side. The Buccaneers have their quarterback locked up, but the offensive line is currently a question mark.
While not entirely the offensive line’s fault, Jameis Winston spent most of his career running for his life. No quarterback can survive in a system like that, and Tom Brady is a fraction as mobile as Winston.
Given that Bruce Arians wants to keep his system in place despite the change at quarterback, the Bucs are going to have to do everything in their power to bring the line to the forefront of the NFL.
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Tampa Bay already has a solid interior of their line and an improving left tackle, and the drafting of Tristan Wirfs has the potential of bringing this group to unseen levels.
Wirfs and Alex Cappa are the young guns in the unit and will be called upon to hold down the line’s ride side. Cappa has a small but promising body of work, and Wirfs is unproven, but Brady can rest assured that his right side will be protected due to several smart moves by the front office.
Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet are the anchors on the left side of the line. As previously mentioned, Smith has been steadily improving during his career and could see an even better season in 2020. Ali Marpet has been one of the best guards in the NFL for some time now, and Brady’s blindside is set up to be protected by one of the best in the business.
Rounding out the unit is another top interior linemen in Ryan Jensen. Jensen has played on the cusp of the Pro Bowl and could see increased recognition alongside Marpet this year.
While there are many moving pieces, this Buccaneer offensive line can be one of the best. The young players will be pivotal, but the veterans will set the real example and give Brady the necessary time to throw.
If Brady can survive in this offense, the offensive line will have an opportunity to make a real name for itself, and any offensive success will come on their backs.