Riddle Possibly Answered
April 16th, 2018
Clarity.
Now the picture is coming into focus.
Last week Joe brought news that the Bucs were bringing in Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey as part of the team’s 30 allotted player visits to One Buc Palace.
Joe thought that was very odd on face value because the Bucs didn’t need a tackle. Donovan Smith is entrenched at left tackle (no folks, he’s not moving to right tackle) and Demar Dotson was cleared by Bucs medical staff to resume all football activities after having his season shorted last year with a knee injury.
Well, now we know Dotson isn’t healthy. He reportedly had knee surgery last week. Joe is not sure if this surgery has anything to do with his previous injury or not.
So while Joe speculated McGlinchey was brought in more to sift intel from him (on perhaps tangling with North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb) than anything else, could it be Licht, knowing of Dotson’s reported surgery, is now in the hunt for a tackle?
Could Licht have come to the conclusion in the wake of Dotson’s surgery that Dotson, who will turn 33 in October, may no longer be able to answer the bell consistently?
Dotson has missed 18 games the past three seasons due to injuries. Prior to 2015, Dotson hadn’t missed a game in three straight years.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:17 am
He seems to be projected as a RT by most “experts”. This actually makes some sense.
The idea that they brought him in for intel was a dumb theory, imo anyway.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:20 am
Gonna need to find a replacement for Dotson sooner or later.. obviously you don’t trade a guy high in the first for this purpose , but Dotson may not be the answer anymore
April 16th, 2018 at 9:23 am
We don’t get McGlinchey unless we trade back with someone…
We don’t trade back unless we are getting the better deal…
We don’t get the better deal unless there is a QB someone really wants at 7…
April 16th, 2018 at 9:25 am
If the top 3 are gone, trade back twice and collect as many draft picks as possible.
I would much rather have 3/4 great players form the first 2 rounds than just 2. NE has been doing this for many years and finding great value. Litch has done this twice in the 2nd round.
There are far more options “if’ “if” “if” we trade down, rather than pigeon holing ourselves into only 2 different options at 7.
If you look at the prospects brought in for interviews/workouts, you can see Litch is planning to trade down.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:26 am
Maybe the trade back will happen if Barkley is off the board.. there should be a few times with multiple first and third round picks to do a deal with
April 16th, 2018 at 9:27 am
OG or OT, it’s a need either way. I would not have an issue with either Nelson or McGlinchey. McGlinchey makes a heck of a lot more sense now though.
BuildTheTRENCHES.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:35 am
Happens throughout the NFL all the time. Back in February on Buccaneers.com, Jason Licht basically confirmed he does this. He wouldn’t be the first nor the last.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:37 am
Hmmm, we now NEED a G, T, RB, CB & SS (as starters) and could definitely use a DE & DT in there as either starters or key rotational players. Lot of holes to fill with one #7 pick. Wonder if the 6 teams drafting above us would show a little compassion & let us have their picks so that we can be more competitive.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:42 am
Need another Gosder Cherilus “bridge” type transaction
Sign FA:
• Austin Howard | Tackle | Age: 31
Possible Depth Chart
LT Donovan Smith | Leonard Wester
LG Quenton Nelson | Caleb Benenoch
C Ryan Jensen | Evan Smith
RG Ali Marpet | Givens Price
RT Demar Dotson | *Austin Howard
But if Nelson’s off the board – and we can trade down a few spots; draft’em
April 16th, 2018 at 9:44 am
Bucs were already in the market for an OT if the right one was available at the right value. Dot is 33 this year and I’m sure Licht has no illusions about that age factor dictating the need for a replacement being brought in sooner than later.
Its a bad year for OTs but if McGlinchey were to fall to the end of the 1st rd I’m pretty sure the Bucs would pounce.
Regarding Dot – Rapoport reported this was a meniscus issue – so that means it was not a “setback” related to the PCL injury suffered end of last season. Likely just a laparoscopic “clean up” procedure meaning Dot should be fully cleared to go within 10-12 weeks.
April 16th, 2018 at 9:51 am
Gawdf…I hope we can squeeze one more season out of Dotson…
April 16th, 2018 at 9:54 am
Joey- most “experts” projected D Smith as Guard, but we (the Bucs) will show every other team that we know better and play him at Tackle until Jameis gets hit so many times he cannot lift his throwing arm again. I am a fan of Smith on our O-Line but I’m not about to drop 15 million on him for LT money. I know one of the Joes likes him at LT and keeps commenting on how the team loves him there, but if you watch the games with your own eyes and not read what someone else wrote, you know he is average at best, IMO. The team will always say they love their players and lie straight to your face…they have to, (though Koetter loves to call Jameis out for some reason).
April 16th, 2018 at 9:56 am
Or, if they draft a RT, then Benenoch goes to to Right guard- his most natural position
April 16th, 2018 at 9:58 am
Do these “experts” work in the NFL or do they reside in dorms in Ireland?
Joe has yet to hear someone employed by an NFL team suggest Donovan Smith is misplaced as a left tackle.
But what the hell does Joe know, he only talks to NFL suits, coaches and scouts often throughout the year and doesn’t work for Pro Football Focus. 🙁
April 16th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Pickgrin
Exactly
April 16th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Dotson was average at best. He is 33 coming off knee surgery and won’t be working out much for 2 months. This is not good. We now have a hole to fill at tackle, guard, corner, safety and running back. 5 positions need help and we currently have 2 picks in the first three rounds. I really hope we are able to trade back and grab at least two more.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Yeah, that’s about right.
Joe has heard from NFL folks not working for the Bucs Donovan Smith is an average or maybe slightly above average left tackle. No shame in that.
If you have that type of a young player who doesn’t miss games, unless your name is Lovie Smith, teams aren’t trying to replace you.
Especially given the offensive line crisis in the NFL.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:09 am
@Joe
I don’t think that Donovan is as awful as some make him out to be, but on his worst days he turns in performances that are well below average , and on his best days he’s well above average, meaning that on average, he’s average.
Durability is a very good quality for a Lineman to have, but where you Joe’s lose me is when you talke about Smith receiving a huge contract. In my opinion, an Average LT shouldn’t be getting any more than 10-12 million a season.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:20 am
Maybe I’m just ignorant….but did I miss why this surgery was just done now instead of a couple of months ago?
April 16th, 2018 at 10:26 am
Why does it always seem licht is laat to realize bucs needs at many positions, im sure there were RTs in free agency earliee
April 16th, 2018 at 10:28 am
Not gonna draft a RT at #7, but the Bucs need to trade back anyway. Bucs sure have been doing alot of work on projected mid-late first rounders.
Smelling (and hoping) for a trade back. Bucs got lots of holes to fill
April 16th, 2018 at 10:37 am
its time to find a RT right now!!!!!….don’t wait…..find someone now…..doesn’t make sense to fortify the interior only to have the edge the weak link…..imo, benenoch wont cut it at RT…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 16th, 2018 at 10:39 am
What holes do we have to fill on offense? RB? There is a difference between “holes” and wants.
I’d love to have both Nelson and his running mate at tackle…we could become the Tampa Bay “Fighting Irish”. lol
But if we don’t get them it’s not the end of the world. We’re still thin at DL and DB…but some of that desperation is gone.
Everybody talks about why worry about an RB too soon because there are plenty to be had in later rounds. I’ll tell you what’s available in later round…DB’S!!! Richard Sherman went in the 5th round. There are amazing athletes at 5-10 to 6 feet who can run and have athletic skills. Some will fall through the cracks.
So…RB’s are available in later rounds unless they’re generational and that would be Saquan. Same is just as true with DB’s unless they’re true SHUTDOWN corners. Very few of those playing in the league right now and does anybody see a surefire CB like Patrick Peterson in this draft? Perhaps I’m missing somebody. I see some serviceable DB’s in the draft who would make nice additions but NO shutdown corners. Lots of good but no great.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:43 am
A right table in the first round? The month of April is horrible leading up to the draft you here all kinds of crazy things. Bucs wouldn’t make this move unless they could trade down and I doubt right table is a concern especially since Dotson has been hurt as you pointed out and we’ve had a fill in the last two years
April 16th, 2018 at 10:47 am
@Stpete
Sweezy has yet to be medically cleared, and a healthy Sweezy was a below average starter for us last year.
Guard is without a doubt a need on this team. If Nelson is there you take him and improve the entire Offense, including the running game.
I broken down, beaten up, old guy Darren Mcfadden ran for 1089 yards behind Dallas’ Oline in 2015. If we land Nelson I have no doubt that Peyton Barber and a Solid RB prospect from the 2018 draft could give are our Offense a much needed balance.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:47 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says
“He’s a right tackle.”
“McGlinchey plays both sides, and he has more experience on the right side.”
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2018/04/a-left-tackle/#comment-3955679
Told ya.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:47 am
*A broken down…*
April 16th, 2018 at 10:48 am
@Bonzai
Even a broken Clock is right twice a day.
April 16th, 2018 at 10:52 am
Defense Rules Says
“Hmmm, we now NEED a G, T, RB, CB & SS (as starters)”
We don’t need a guard because Marpet and Sweezy are playing guard. Plus they have a good backup for Guard (Evan Smith). Nelson would be great…but in a pinch, the bucs could be okay without getting him.
Assuming Sweezy gets healthy in time (his performance was expected to take a dip in his first year after the injury).
April 16th, 2018 at 11:05 am
Blake_Bucsfan Says
“Even a broken Clock is right twice a day.”
Well, at least you have those two time to look forward to then.
April 16th, 2018 at 11:10 am
anyone counting on sweezy is proof you haven’t watched a bucs game…..he was horrible….
he already sat out a year to recover from injury…..came back and was trash while he played…..then got hurt again….
what makes people think he’ll come back from his injury and magically recapture his mojo……a wise man once said, its better to cut a player a 1 too early than keep him a year too late…..we are currently are in that position….let him go…move on….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
April 16th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Is it just me? Or am I reading a lot about how this draft class really isn’t that deep?
A couple of NFL Network analysts are claiming there are only about 30 guys that show true potential, and the rest are all a crap shoot.
April 16th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Your going to get Winston KILLED!!! We need both a guard and tackle now.
April 16th, 2018 at 11:36 am
Joe-
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=0ahUKEwij38vViL_aAhXPu1MKHbUHDdAQFghYMAc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwalterfootball.com%2Fscoutingreport2015donovansmith.php&usg=AOvVaw23uODT5n9lIvB59IpaRzo5
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwij38vViL_aAhXPu1MKHbUHDdAQFggnMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fdraft%2F2015%2Fprofiles%2Fdonovan-smith%3Fid%3D2552460&usg=AOvVaw0PTjWi1Uu3uFc0WYG_UEbi
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwij38vViL_aAhXPu1MKHbUHDdAQFghMMAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Fnfl%2F2015%2F5%2F1%2F8334851%2Fdonovan-smith-nfl-draft-penn-state-buccaneers&usg=AOvVaw2wgb3vfMlwTdmFr1olnW2C
Mayock- your (and ours) cornerstone for draft analysis is in one of these articles.
I don’t hate D Smith, but the way LT money is being thrown around, average LTs are getting elite LT money. Might as well get an elite LT (easier said than done, I know). I think D Smith can be a very good guard or an elite RT. Average Lt play (or inconsistent) will get your franchise killed. If Jameis wasn’t so deceptively elusive- Smith would already have been moved or cut IMO, it is hard to be accurate when you have to speed up your delivery or you have one eye on your blindside. I will agree to disagree with you about Smith- I think he should be moved to RT, I want this guy on my team, just not at LT, I think Jameis actually got hurt in pre season if you go back and watch those games. Then came Minnesota, Arizona and Buffalo. Carolina finished him off. I do love his durability-i’ll agree there. I just hope he can improve his pass blocking if he is staying at LT. I’m rooting for him (not a hater)
April 16th, 2018 at 11:51 am
Im with Dusthty on this one – it seems like Licht is always playing catch up instead of looking ahead and being proactive. .. He seems to like to roll the dice with players that are on the way down or have injuries. It has bit him before and its looking very familiar now.
I hope a serious trade down can be found and we can pick up a few more draft picks. Sad to say – but I hope the big three (maybe)four non QBs are off the board – more QBs to dangle!!
April 16th, 2018 at 11:56 am
@Joe
Doing it at the combine is one thing. Using one of only 30 visits for intel is a waste imo.
April 16th, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Nelson at 7, can play tackle from what I read.
If need be he moves to RT.
April 16th, 2018 at 2:06 pm
The Broncos might draft Barkley if he makes it to them now that CJ Anderson is gone.
I don’t see any way Barkley falls to 7. Hopefully we can trade back a bit.
April 16th, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Jason will give next years first to trade up for him
April 16th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
@Lambchop
I think you hit the nail on the head, one less team we have to worry about taking Nelson or Chubb in front of us.
If we draft Nelson at 7 and sign CJ Anderson our running game should be in great shape.
April 16th, 2018 at 4:28 pm
the team picked up dotson’s fifth year option but he’s veering into Gosder Cherilus (old and hurt) territory and the team needs to have a plan before his decline costs the team multiple wins
they do seem high on guys like Benenoch and Wester, though, so they might not feel all that pressured to prioritize the position in the draft.
April 16th, 2018 at 4:29 pm
*not fifth year option, just his next year option
April 16th, 2018 at 5:18 pm
Trade back for McGlinchey and get Hernandez in the second. Not happening but would still love it. That’s a dominate oline from LT to RT for the next 7 to 10 years. Jameis would not have a finger laid on him and never fumble in the pocket again.
April 16th, 2018 at 5:28 pm
Could this mean more blocking plays for OJ Howard? He was already a very good blocker in his rookie year which is rare. Hopefully Benenoch can develop more with his continuous play.
April 16th, 2018 at 7:39 pm
So much discussion about offensive players, for a team with the last placed defense in the league.
Benenoch has been groomed to replace Dotson
Sweezy may have been rusty , after a year off.
How we view the Bucs offensive line, may be quiet different than how the Bucs view the offensive line
They obviously agreed that Marpet at center was the weak spot on the line, along with Kevin Pamphile.
Now, we have a new center, and a new Left guard( Marpet).
Benonoch ended the season as a starter at RT.
Licht and Koetter may very well consider the Oline fixed. Any Oline talk may just be a smokescreen
April 16th, 2018 at 7:43 pm
@Capt. Tim
You build a winning team by making your strengths stronger and improving upon your weaknesses.
I think the best case scenario for our entire team right now would be to sign C.J. Anderson to be our new 1A to Barber’s 1B, sign Eric Reid to be our starting strong Safety, Draft Quenton Nelson in the 1st round, spend the rest of our picks on the defense, and then cut Sweezy post June 1st.
April 16th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Blake- I personally don’t like the way the protests happened. The fact is that it is divisive no matter which side you are on, right? I think Eric Reid has made his point on the field and is now ready to take a more active role off the field. JMO but have read a few articles saying as much. The Bucs can really get an absolute steal if they sign him. Dude can flat out play. The owners also have made their point, time to grow up and take a leap of faith. I like Fitzpatrick and I love James, but we can move on to other needs if we sign Reid. C.J. Anderson takes care of another and we can focus on OLine, DE, DT, RB and CB in Amy order they may fall.
April 16th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
*Any