Do the Buccaneers Already Have Their Starting O-Line?

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This was in interesting question posed in a discussion about the current pre-draft state of the Buccaneers.  The team has made some small moves, but could they have a credible starting line ready to go? Possibly. Here’s a break down of what’s on the roster today.

Current Roster: Tackle

The bookends of an offensive line are key to any productive offense. They set the edge, protect the quarterback, and enhance the run game. Right now, the Buccaneers have one player who is a lock to start. That’s Tristan Wirfs. The question then becomes does he play right or left tackle this season? The proof may be on the roster already. 

Enter Luke Goedeke. Though he had a bad season, he was playing in a new position. Now, he’s not unfamiliar with having to learn a new position. In college he was a tight end before becoming a tackle. And as I look back on his college career, he was a very strong player at right tackle for Central Michigan. A return to the position he played in college may be the game plan for the Buccaneers. Afterall Jason Licht thinks “he is going to make a big step up” in reference to the upcoming season. Maybe he plays right tackle. 

The third option just signed with the team recently. Matt Feiler comes over from the Chargers after four years with the Stealers. What’s intriguing here is that he played right tackle his second and third season before moving to left guard for three. Could he be a viable option? Looking at the numbers he’s not a liability. In 1,589 snaps over the two years at the position he only allowed seven sacks. Not bad by any means.  Additionally, the two seasons he played there he graded out as 71.7 and 75.9 overall offensive grade from PFF. In 2019 he graded out at 80.7 in pass blocking. So could there be more to this signing

Current Roster: Center

The center position is pretty much locked up. Ryan Jensen will start barring any setbacks or issues due to the injury he suffered. Penciled in behind him will be Robert Hainsey. No need for further explanation there. 

Current Roster: Guard

At the guard positions there is talent as well. Young emerging Nick Leverett showed a great jump in capabilities playing 718 snaps at left guard last season. He allowed no sacks, four hits, and eight hurries. Not bad for a second-year undrafted free agent guard. He very well could start. The other option would be Feiler if they don’t use him at right tackle. 

On the opposite side of center is another question mark. Does the team view Hainsey as a reliable starting right guard. Especially after the departure of Shaq Mason. Does Feiler again find himself in another position? The other options are vastly unproven. 

Possible Potential Starting Line Up

So here below is how I would envision the starting lineup with what’s on the team now. 

Left Tackle: Tristian Wirfs

Left Guard: Nick Leverett

Center: Ryan Jensen

Right Guard: Robert Hainsey

Right Tackle: Goedeke or Feiler

Final Thought

This is going to change. I fully believe the Buccaneers will find a right or left tackle in the first or second round that will project to be the starter. But, with the list above I’m not too afraid of this in falling apart. However, they lack depth. 

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