Well, the NFL Draft Combine has come to an end, and so many Bucs fans are forgetting about the key to any great football team—the offensive line. So many of the prospects at the combine had great workouts, whether it was a defensive lineman, linebacker, or cornerback.
I am not saying the defense doesn’t need help because we know the numbers don’t lie. This defense was awful last season. If the Bucs had just an average defense, surely the results from last season would have changed so many things.
This offensive line still needs a major overhaul, though. The Bucs have their franchise QB who they need to make sure stays healthy. The Bucs got Donovan Smith to re-sign at a fair price based on his production. Last year they also locked up Ali Marpet and signed Ryan Jensen from the Ravens. Ryan didn’t have the best season for what the Bucs paid for him. The alarming personal fouls were a sticking point for many.
The rest of the line really needs to be addressed, as Dotson, who is coming back for another season, has his best days behind him. Caleb Benenoch’s play last year was a sore spot for the entire team and a reason the staff last year was let go. So 2 of 5 positions on your offensive line need help.
Benenoch may be going back to tackle, which, in my opinion, is just more bad news. The Bucs will have some chances in free agency to address these positions, but there is such a shortage in the NFL of quality offensive line players.
If the Bucs look at their draft board, they have an opportunity to get a game changer to boost the offensive line. And I don’t think you can ignore that type of prospect.
This draft is very deep with defensive linemen who will drop to round 2. If the Bucs do in fact have a QB whisperer, then they have their franchise QB for the long haul. That said, you must protect your investment, and the hire you make should help get this team back to relevance in this league.
