Buccaneers need to keep their eyes on former first-round pick after scare
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers can’t stop with the injuries. It is almost shocking at this point. How will this impact their season as they eye another Super Bowl?
Having a good offensive line is not as important as it used to be in the NFL. The Buccaneers won with a good one, but other teams like the Bengals have been able to make it to the Super Bowl with one of the worst offensive lines in the history of the sport, so it goes either way.
With that being said, the Bucs need to find a way to keep Tom Brady protected. The level of athleticism between Brady and a guy like Joe Burrow is a little different, so a line for an immobile quarterback does matter.
In an effort to keep Brady protected, a first-round “bust” could be a perfect fit for the Buccaneers.
Everyone has heard of Raiders lineman Alex Leatherwood at this point. The Alabama tackle was only one of several players drafted way too high by Jon Gruden, and his performance with the Raiders has led to a point where he should be off the team by tomorrow or Tuesday.
Leatherwood has not been great, but a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to restart his career. It’s not like he has no talent at all. Most guys on those Raiders teams should get a pass for today, and while Leatherwood was still drafted way too high, he still has traits that work in the modern NFL.
At just 23 years old and with some talent to serve as a backup at multiple roles, Leatherwood could be a perfect fit for a Buccaneers team that can’t slow the injuries down. From starting the game without Tristan Wirfs to losing Robert Hainsey and Nick Leverett in the same game, Tampa needs help on their line from guys that can play anywhere.
Leatherwood has played tackle, can play guard for the Bucs, and will cost next to nothing. If Tampa is serious about hedging their bets, calling the former Alabama player is a great way to start when the options at the positions on the market are starting to become light.
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