Ali Marpet Targeted For LG
March 27th, 2018
New position.
If the regular season started today, the Bucs already have their left guard.
Provided J.R. Sweezy returns healthy, your new starting left guard will be Ali Marpet.
That’s the word from Bucs coach Dirk Koetter, who spoke at the NFL coaches breakfast in Orlando.
“He can play any of the three inside spots,” Koetter said of Marpet.
Ryan Jensen will be the starting center, which pushed Marpet back to guard. Marpet logged two seasons as a right guard before playing center last year.
Koetter also noted that Caleb Benenoch should not be forgotten as a potential starter if Sweezy can’t go.
March 27th, 2018 at 7:37 am
Thats the reason we need Nelson.
March 27th, 2018 at 7:40 am
..so evan smith is starting?
March 27th, 2018 at 7:45 am
NOt sure I get this ?
Which position is more important right or left guard ? And does it depend on if qb is right or left handed. ? Blindside?
I guess left guard would play more against the rushing 3 tech defensive tackle in a 4-3? Or are they admitting that Donovan smith needs more help?
Again , marpet should be fine at either guard spot. Just curious to know why. And I agree he should take the guard spot with more responsibility.
March 27th, 2018 at 7:49 am
Noooooo…..
They are going to ruin Marpet. Let the kid develop at RG, OMG! Stop moving him around to force Sweezy in the lineup. Just move on from Sweezy he clearly dont fit well with this team.
Nelson just moved to #1 on my draft board!!!
March 27th, 2018 at 7:51 am
BENENOCH is ready!!!!
March 27th, 2018 at 7:52 am
Please no, just cut Sweezy and move Ali back to RG, then draft one of the top Guard prospects (Nelson, Hernandez, Smith)
March 27th, 2018 at 7:53 am
Smith is not starting. Hopefully Sweezy is back healthy because even though Nelson would be a great pick, we can not afford not to draft Darwin James or Denzel Ward. Our defensive back field need major help and we can’t pass on a playmaker like James or possibly a lockdown corner like Ward. The first 2 levels of our defense look good with the line and LBs but our DBs overall are probably close to the worse in the league. Pair James with Evans and they can cement those safety spots for years to come. James is Cam Chanseller 2.0 with more speed and attitude.
March 27th, 2018 at 7:55 am
I agree with this. Ali Marpet is an excellent RG and as some others have mentioned (and I agree) was probably on the cusp of being a pro-bowler at that position.
I’m glad he got experience playing center last season so count me as one of those that like his versatility now. However, I think the Bucs need to come out of this draft with an offensive lineman.
March 27th, 2018 at 7:56 am
3rd position change in 3 years?
March 27th, 2018 at 7:58 am
It’s a smokescreen to show little/nointerest in Nelson in the draft. If Nelson there at 7 they take him and keep Marpet at RG.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:01 am
It makes me uneasy, this staff is ALWAYS banking on injured players, or is it just me? Last year it was Jaq Smith and Spence. And now Sweezy, who missed 1 whole season, and was not that good last year is hurt again.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:04 am
No need to wonder why we are continually in the basement.
Here’s the proof. Every Buc regime just can’t get out of their own way when it comes to putting the best man in the best position to win.
There are a lot of good players that can play many positions, however, why not keep a good player at a position where he can become great. That builds a strong team.
Ex: We just got JPP. What if, because he’s a good player, athlete, NY kept moving him around to different positions year after year just because he could be good at them. Would he have developed into a great DE? No.
I wish the Bucs would stop jerking players around from their strongest position just to fit in some weaker link because of money or ego.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:10 am
Buc4life
Totally agree. 2 huge holes.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:11 am
I’d rather have him at left guard.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:14 am
Although Nelson would make oline filthy
I just have hard time seeing bucs investing that much money on a position group. Just made Jensen highest paid center.
Licht wants to give Marpet and smith big extensions as well. So those 2 would add another 20-25 mil per.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:14 am
Nelson please
March 27th, 2018 at 8:16 am
@Buc4life
Please please please let it be Derwin James, this kid is a beast!
March 27th, 2018 at 8:16 am
…but if Nelson is there at 7 I’m sprinting to the podium with that card and spending the rest of the draft on defensive backs and running backs.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:18 am
Saw this coming. But that will all change it Nelson is the one that falls and they want him. Then, JR would be allowed to walk.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:40 am
Figured Jensen would be our new Center, but no way did I see Marpet moving to LG coming. Dumber than dirt IMO. Leave Marpet at RG, release Sweezy and get a real LG, preferably through the draft (so we can continue to build a young OLine). Next year it’s time for a RT.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:44 am
I’d love for the Bucs to get a guard early in the draft, but the Bucs can probably get away with having an average guard next year.
The Bucs are in a desperate need at SS, RB and CB so I am hoping those positions are targeted early in the draft.
March 27th, 2018 at 8:50 am
Like I said….I’ll reserve judgement until the opening day roster…..this could be a total smokescreen….we could pick up a LG or RG in FA……we could draft a LG or RG……I will believe Marpet is at LG when I see him playing there in training camp and on the opening day.
If Sweezy is healthy and gets cleared…..more changes could come.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:05 am
No team in NFL can screw up player development and try and out smart themselves all the way to basement like the failed buc franchise
March 27th, 2018 at 9:19 am
Although I’m concerned about a third change in position for Marpet….it could be a brilliant move. Because Ali and Donovan are such good friends and know each other so well…that might lead to a special pairing on the left side of the line. I think Marpet will push Smith to raise his level of play, because he won’t want to let his friend down.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:27 am
Hopefully we get a good Guard in this upcoming draft.
Sweezy sucked last year and is hurt again. Licht better not be counting on JR as a starter again this year. That would be the ultimate in bad “planning”.
Jason – If you really believe JR can come back strong – then fine – keep him on the roster and if he somehow EARNS a starting spot with great play, then its a nice “bonus” – but do not – I repeat DO NOT pencil JR Sweezy in as a starting Guard for the Buccaneers this year. I’m actually on my knees with head bowed and hands clasped in praying position as I type this – my Jameis Winston bobble-head won’t stop nodding in agreement….
March 27th, 2018 at 9:30 am
I was thinking the same thing Kelly. Marpet next to Smith might be good for Donovan’s game and help Smith up his intensity by attrition.
Marpet played on the left side at LT in College so its probably not that big of a deal to move him to the left side if he has all off season to prepare.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:37 am
Maybe it would work out. They really need to let him develop in one position tho.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:49 am
Enough of this nonsense…We need help in the secondary that’s clear, the issue I have is James is a FS which happens to be the same position we spent a 2nd round pick on last year. Also, since his injuries he isn’t the same guy. No way we draft this kid.
Another thing that is driving me nuts is hearing people say Ward is the best shut down corner in this draft. This cannot be further from the truth. He allowed over 50% completion and only has 2 picks in 2 years. The top corner in this draft is simple Jaire Alexander is a beast. He allowed under 20% completion and has a little bit better size than Ward.
The WR in our division will dominate Ward.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:50 am
We definitely need to draft a G. I’m not sold on Caleb Cannotblock, if Nelson is gone I would like to see us trade down if possible. I think Derwin James is awesome but I would not be happy about a S at 7 no matter who it is.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:51 am
As far as Marpet goes I would be shocked if they changed his position again but then again it is Tampa so who knows.
Best case scenario is Nelson falling to 7 and plugging him in at LG. Our interior line would be the best we have had ever easily.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:54 am
I don’t see moving Marpet to LG as an issue, unlike Donovan Smith he is obviously very versatile. Please remember the guy played LT at Hobart so playing on the left side of the line shouldn’t be an issue for him. The RG becomes the issue now though.
March 27th, 2018 at 9:54 am
We need Quenton Nelson with our first pick in the draft. I repeat we need Quenton Nelson with our first pick in the draft. Second round get best Rb available. Next year be a top 3 offense! I’ve been over the sweezy contract since I seen a few games with him starting for the Bucs. Dudes body is clearly screwed from injuries and breakdown and he is not a true starter anymore.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:00 am
You got Demar Dotson at right tackle and Ali Marpet at right guard and Ryan Jensen at center and Quenton Nelson at Left guard and Donovan Smith at left tackle… Jameis will have no reason to not become the greatest for the next 5 years and the run game will flourish as well with that line.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:02 am
Bucballbaby84
Dotson is garbage and at best a part time backup
March 27th, 2018 at 10:06 am
I know he isn’t a true starter anymore. Never said he was. We just don’t have much to do with at right tackle this year.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:07 am
He’s better than a lot of other guys that’s why they got him in there. So I don’t agree with him being garbage.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:09 am
I have no problem with him at LG…..him and d.smith have a relationship away from football so that could help while they’re on the field…..
as much as I like the sound of derwin james and j.evans, nelson would be a great addition to the run game and protecting Winston……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!
March 27th, 2018 at 10:11 am
Am I the first with this?
IR Sweezy
Feel free to run with that Joe.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:12 am
I’d love to have Derwin James too but getting Nelson is the right move.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:12 am
Bucballbaby84
Just being better than other guys does not help bucs leave the basement
March 27th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Suspect Nelson might be in for shock come sept. He wont be tbagging guys on sundays, being the baddest bully in college is great but he will take a few arse kickings in the nfl then we will see how tough he is.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:17 am
He’s better than what’s in the market so he’s the best to go with as of right now. No miracle to change that.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:23 am
We’re in trouble.
March 27th, 2018 at 10:28 am
Pre Draft speak, people. Anything can change during the draft.
March 27th, 2018 at 11:45 am
Derwin James can play nickle, free safety, DE and linebacker but his best position is SS.
That’s why he pairs up so nicely with an extremely athletic Evans.
March 27th, 2018 at 11:55 am
joe can you bann the tmax guy and his negativity
March 27th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Mission is becoming complete on the offensive line. I’m starting to think we are gonna trade back with Buffalo at this point and get the two first round picks. That will be another large check off the career bucket list for Jason Licht. Every Bucs GM has obtained two first round picks. Licht has not done it yet but getting the two seconds and drafting future pro bowl lineman was awesome. Trade back to 12 draft Derwin James, then draft Mcglinchey or Brown with the 22 pick in the first. After that I see Licht staying aggressive and trading back in the first late to get another offensive lineman maybe using some late round picks from next seasons draft to get that deal done maybe next year’s 3 or 4 th round pick
March 27th, 2018 at 12:16 pm
I dont get this teams fascination with constant tinkering…..licht is going to try to duct tape this line again and one injury will be all it takes to unravel it. D. Smith is inconsistent on the QBs back side, Sweezy is still hurt…..Dotson is serviceable but nothing great. 3 of 5 are….”meh”. Add in musical chairs and we cant establish a ground game or consistency on offense.
March 27th, 2018 at 12:43 pm
I posted a comment here a few days ago saying this exact same thing.
March 27th, 2018 at 12:49 pm
If the Bills trade with us- get D James or Fitzpatrick if they fall then Hernandez with the second 1st. We are not trading with the Bills unless it is for both first rounders-
plus a second or 3rd.
March 27th, 2018 at 12:59 pm
BTW- D. Smith at LG where every other team projected him is the play, Draft McGlinchey in the late first/early second if he falls. Or draft Nelson and McGlinchey, will have to move back into the first for that- Move D Smith to RG and you are set for 10 years barring injuy. Quit moving our borderline Pro Bowl guard and move the guy that has gotten Jameis killed multiple times (See Arizona, Minnesota and Buffalo-just last year alone)
March 27th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Jay Gruden said it best. Are you F%#$ing kidding me. Hope they stop moving guys around after this. Not their strong suit
March 27th, 2018 at 11:15 pm
Derwin James is a Free Safety you are 100 % correct . However you also are 100 % wrong about what position is what . Chris conte isn’t a SS he plays FS and Justin Evans that 2nd rd pick is playing SS. Don’t believe me Google it. I’m sorry but you people have so much love for the game and then say the wrong information about players . As a fan you want our defense to be great big you can’t even tell home what position does what SMH . This means Derwin James is Availble at 7 .Just saying. Rrgardkess the best option for this team is to trade down a few picks get extra picks and draft Derrius Guice from LSU . Follow that up with a top available G early rd 2 . Cut Sweezy and William Gholtson and go after a FA CB I honestly have no we what’s taking so long ….. Rookie CBs aren’t ever fully developed and we need a starter on outside like 10 years ago . Top available CB ain’t even worth it yet
March 28th, 2018 at 2:27 am
We still haven’t addressed the issue, that this team is being run by compleete idiots! They never learn from their mistakes.
March 28th, 2018 at 2:28 am
complete.