Time to Move on From Dotson and Smith

Since 2015, both LT Donovan Smith and RT Demar Dotson have been mainstays along the Buccaneer offensive line. Yet, with the production of the running game, dwindling, and bordering on pathetic, it has fans calling for a change. By now, GM Jason Licht has to be thinking maybe the fans are right.

The Bucs picked up Dotson off of the free agent wire after the 2009 Draft. Then HC Jon Gruden turned the 6’9 315 lbs former DT from Southern Miss into his project. Eventually, Gruden turned Dotson into one of the better RTs in the game, but time catches up with everyone. Last season Dotson rated at 67.3, that’s average, but not great and at 33 he’s not getting any younger.

Donovan Smith was taken in the second round of the 2015 draft out of Penn State. At 6’6 338 lbs, Smith looks the part of an NFL tackle, but most scouts claimed he lacked the athleticism to play tackle in the league. Smith does establish a powerful base in the running game, but is very slow to react to stunts and speed rushers.

Thankfully, there is plenty of help on O-line in this year’s draft. Jason Licht would be good to bring some in for an interview, as the O-line was a huge problem last year.