Making Moves On The OL

One of the biggest areas of concern for the Bucs heading into 2019 is at offensive line. The question has been asked if the Bucs should go after another solid center, whether in free agency or the draft and move Ryan Jensen back to guard, where he was originally drafted when he came into the league with Baltimore. Now this is just an idea, but it could be a good one.

One center I have my eye one, and who is who currently a free agent, is 12-year veteran Ryan Kalil, who played for Carolina for the past two years. He’s 33 years old, but with the amount of valuable experience that he has, he would benefit the Bucs. Given that the Bucs don’t have very much cap room to play with, and given that Kalil’s last contract with Carolina was a 2-year deal worth around $16 million, he would be a solid addition if Tampa can get him for the right price.

If they choose to go the route of the draft in order to improve on the interior of the offensive line, there are a number of options. One name that sticks out is Michael Jordan. Jordan was a three-year starter at Ohio State, winning a job at guard as a freshman, getting moved to center as a junior after Billy Price was drafted in the first round by the Bengals in 2018. Ohio State had not had a true freshman come in and win a job on the offensive line right away for quite some time before Michael Jordan. That says a lot about his skill level and work ethic.

Jordan is projected to go off the board in either the second or third round. He would be a valuable addition to the Bucs offensive line. At 6’6″ and 310, Michael Jordan certainly has the size to succeed in the NFL. He’s someone to keep an eye on, anyway. I look forward to seeing how he performs in the combine. Keep an eye out, Jason Licht!