“He’s A Premier Left Tackle”
December 13th, 2019
Donovan Smith is paid like an elite left tackle. His re-signing was one of the first big moves of the Bucco Bruce Arians regime.
But does he play to his pay grade?
A man of logic would suggest Smith is the left-edge anchor of a crazy-dangerous passing game that puts up the second-most yardage in the NFL, therefore, he must be pretty good?
Smith also answers the bell for every start, plays hurt and has more than enough size to run block. Heck, even notorious Bucs offensive line critic and former Tampa Bay guard Ian Beckles says Smith and the line are just fine.
That brings Joe to head coach Bucco Bruce Arians, who said on Buccaneers Radio this week that Smith is “a premier left tackle” and the Bucs will need him against Lions pass rusher Trey Flowers on Sunday.
Smith will earn $14.5 million next season for the Bucs. As of now, that’s top-5-level money at left tackle in the NFL.
Man, two elite receivers, two talented and experienced tight ends, a premier left tackle — just imagine if the Bucs found a quality NFL running back for next season and cut the interceptions from, say, 26 to 16?
December 13th, 2019 at 12:03 pm
Dreaming is ok to do once in awhile.
December 13th, 2019 at 12:11 pm
Or a consistent quarterback who did not turn the ball over so much.
December 13th, 2019 at 12:19 pm
And the secondary is fixed….
December 13th, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Go back and watch the first pass in the Colts game and then watch the TD to Evans later.
Donovan Smith telegraphed the first pick was going to be a pass on first down by his set up and the Colts dropped deep. Interception.
On the Evans TD he is in a normal set and the Bucs are under center. You can’t tell if it’s a run or pass and Winston hits Evans for the TD.
Tipping plays is like tipping pitches. Please stop doing that.
December 13th, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Gosh damn it, I voted for a little confidence in Arians in the last poll (up from none) like a dummy. After calling this vastly overpaid dude elite, it is back to none. Look, Smith is above average and I don’t expect Arians to call him a dog, but elite? C’mon coach, we’re not idiots.
December 13th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
still think d.smith is a LG…..
GO BUCS!!!!!
December 13th, 2019 at 12:47 pm
“man, two elite receivers, two talented and experienced tight ends, a premier left tackle — just imagine if the Bucs found a quality NFL running back for next season and cut the interceptions from, say, 26 to 16?……. that would mean playoffs
December 13th, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Premium left tackle for depth
December 13th, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Our right tackle needs to be upgraded some and more depth in backups. If we had a QB who could see his reads and get the ball out of his hands, the line would be fine.
I don’t even want to know how many reads on open players got missed this year . Most of those happened right before Jameis got pressure for still holding the ball.
If most of the sacks were coverage sacks, that would be fine, but they aren’t there was almost always someone standing there and waving their arms.
December 13th, 2019 at 1:06 pm
Premier Left Tackles are excellent run blockers and resemble a stone wall when it comes to protecting the QB’s blind side.
Does Donovan Smith meet either of those criteria? – much less both?
Bucs are paying top 5 money for about the 17th best LT in the league – give or take – depending on the day…
December 13th, 2019 at 1:36 pm
I hope Donovan misses a few games. This will motivate the Bucs to use a #1 pick for a OT. The draft is loaded with them this year and the Bucs may be able to select a Top 3 tackle from a major football program.
The Gumpster Fire probably has his scouts scouring the Aleutian Islands for a D3 gem.
December 13th, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Do not be surprised if Smith’s contract is re-done to save cap space for some D players.
The team has a lot of $$$ invested in several good players that accelerating bonuses won’t create cap hell down the road.
December 13th, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Thought he was over paid for average play but his durability is the best. Your best ability is availablity.
December 13th, 2019 at 3:05 pm
They have a quality back , they have never given him 25 carries and maybe never 20 …….. Coaching Failure !!!!
December 13th, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Aside from a few holding penalties and a hustle – albeit – destruction of Marcus Peters, we rarely hear D-Smith’s name. That’s a plus, yes? “Premier” might be a stretch, but the dude’s availability and determination are remarkable. And perhaps that is what B.A. is referring to. You can also be “premier” by example and not necessarily exemplary performance. But WT(H) do I know…?
December 13th, 2019 at 6:58 pm
The series Donavon sat out with injury validated his value on this team. I still believe DL with the 1st round pick and OL will be 2nd.
December 13th, 2019 at 7:43 pm
I wouldn’t say he’s a top LT, but he’s a very solid LT who doesn’t miss time. He’s #5 on the top LT pay next year currently – but that doesn’t count whatever happens this offseason, so he’ll probably end up like 8th or so, then he’s still locked up another year when he’ll probably go down to around 12th.
Overall I think it’s a solid deal and if the Bucs have any sense they’ll draft a tackle in the 1st or 2nd next year, play them at RT, and groom them to take over for Smith in 2022.
December 13th, 2019 at 11:29 pm
…just imagine if we had a qb that wasn’t stupid on the field and off
December 13th, 2019 at 11:40 pm
If he is elite based on what is out there today, then the bar has been lowered. He’s slightly above average
December 14th, 2019 at 12:55 am
@losinghope just imagine if we didnt have trolls like you to make us dumber with your posts.
December 14th, 2019 at 8:53 am
Smith’s under contract, not going anywhere, what’s the concern? I’ll tell you, right tackle. We need to draft a stud right tackle. Not a small school left tackle we want to try at right tackle, but a kid who played RT at a high level for three years at a big school. How about from, Ohio St, Wisc, LSU, Bama, Georgia! You know a kid who’s been well coached, has the talent, and has played against future NFL players. Then we’d be set next year. Dotson is the weak link in the chain.