Are You the Weakest Link?

Now that the 2019 NFL Draft is behind us, I can say with confidence that the weakest positional unit for the Buccaneers is the offensive line. Yeah, I know that the Bucs brought in some undrafted free agents and made some signings including Earl Watford to help on the O-line but I still see the Bucs offensive line as the weakest positional unit on the team. Somehow, the Bucs offensive line finished this past season ranked as the 20th best in the league statistically. I don’t know how that happened, because based on watching the games, it looked like the Bucs had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.

Due to his starting experience, locking up Donovan Smith this offseason was wise because there weren’t any better options still available. The position of left tackle could still be improved upon but for now, I would consider Smith to be somewhere between the 15th and 20th best out of the NFL 32 starting left tackles. Ali Marpet is a stud, finishing the 2018-2019 campaign ranked in the top four of all starting guards in the NFL.

With that being said, Ryan Jensen, who was brought in through free agency last offseason, so far, has not lived up to the hype or the expectations given to him. Hopefully, he can turn things around in 2019.

It’s been said many times because it’s true. Caleb Benenoch and Demar Dotson both suck. There is still plenty of room for improvement on the O-line.

The Bucs haven’t addressed the offensive line through first two rounds of the NFL draft since drafting Donovan Smith in 2015. I think the offensive line and running back have to be the top two priorities for the 2020 NFL Draft, along with the defensive line as the third unit of need.

I think rolling with the exact same offensive line in 2019 that the Bucs had in 2018 is a big mistake. I’m not the only one who thinks so. Here’s hoping for the best and that the O’line is much improved for this season, but I won’t hold my breath.

I’m still excited for the season! Go Bucs!