With the draft fast approaching there is one glaring issue that if not fixed will surely spell disaster for this team’s hopes of competing. That’s the left tackle position. Couple that with the need for offensive line depth I would anticipate the Buccaneers drafting two offensive linemen.
The Need
Tasked with protecting the teams most important player, the quarterback, the offensive line should never be overlooked. Especially the left tackle who is protecting the quarterback’s blind side. The line needs to consist of players who can operate in concert with one another, and the bookend players set the tone and solidify the line’s play. Tristian Wirfs is already an All-Pro talent on the right side. So, in order to protect any future investment at the quarterback position or ensure the success of those on the roster already this needs to be the biggest position addressed this draft.
The 19th Pick Overall
At 19th there may be a few options to look at that can improve this team from week one on.
Offensive tackle Anton Harrison of Oklahoma University may be available at 19th overall. At 6’4”, 315 pounds, and 34” arms he possesses the size needed. Couple that with a respectable sub 5.0 40-yard dash, and 1.77 second shuttle his speed is not bad. He played against some talented pass rushers in college and only gave up four sacks in over 1,000 pass blocking snaps. He should be able to improve his strength and technique and turn into a viable starter.
Broderick Jones of Georgia is another true left tackle who may be available at 19th overall. On the championship team he played well and showed he’s a dependable blind side blocker. Allowing ZERO sacks last season and only two in his three years for Georgia will bode well for his stock. Additionally, the talent he lined up against is very strong. Some experts suggest if he stayed in college one more year, he would be a top five pick next draft. So, the Buccaneers could pounce on him now and capitalize on his play.
Top 30 Visits
Darnell Wright has been linked to the Buccaneers with a top 30 visit. At Tennessee he played left tackle his first two season but played right tackle last season. Could this be the pick that solidifies the Wirfs to left tackle thought process? It could be, after all he didn’t allow a single sack last season on the right side. With more playing time on the right, he may very well be a true contender for the position and then the team may actually switch Wirfs to the left. Something to keep an eye on.
Final Thought
Before the Buccaneers even start to write in a quarterback’s name on the draft ticket, or any other position for that matter, the offensive line MUST be addressed. It will not matter how good the receivers are when the run game can’t be established, and the quarterback can’t get though a single progression. You must put points on the board to win and the offensive line is almost as important as the quarterback it protects.
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