Debating Drafting A Right Tackle
March 26th, 2023
Tennessee RT Darnell Wright.
Joe will save his well known screed for the last couple of paragraphs.
Now Joe is not a mock draft guy, at least not for another three weeks or so. The vast majority of mock drafts aren’t worth wiping your rear end with. And maybe, just maybe, mock drafts might be less valuable than the PFF tribe’s offensive line grades. It’s close.
Joe believes in accuracy with mock drafts, otherwise it’s just mental self-pleasurement.
So one of the most accurate mockers out there, Brendan Donahue of Sharp Football Analysis, has a recent mock draft. (And if you are not striving for accuracy, then what’s the point? Might as well listen to Colin Cowherd.)
In the latest of his twice-weekly mocks, Donahue believes the Bucs will draft Tennessee right tackle Darnell Wright.
*IF* the Bucs decide to draft a right tackle at No. 19, this sounds like a great plan. Wright didn’t give up a sack last year in a pass-happy Air Raid offense. And when needed, he was pretty good in the run game.
This Joe has been clear for some time: The absolute last position the Bucs need to monkey with is right tackle. Leave. Tristan. Wirfs. Alone! Never fix something that’s not broken.
Does anyone remember Demar Dotson at left tackle?
Does anyone remember when the Bucs outsmarted themselves trying to play Ali Marpet at center?
Leave Wirfs be. No need to create potentially another problem when there are others to address. But if the Bucs must — and do flip Wirfs to left tackle — then and only then is Joe on board for a right tackle to be drafted at No. 19.
(Joe doesn’t think the Bucs are necessarily going to flip short-armed Luke Goedeke to right tackle.)
Instead of screwing with Wirfs, how about this novel concept: How about drafting a left tackle at No. 19? What’s so evil about that?
March 26th, 2023 at 8:27 am
I hope we do draft a stud left tackle at 19. That’s our most pressing need, in my opinion.
March 26th, 2023 at 8:39 am
I’m pretty sure the coaches know better whether they can do this. Worst case they move wirfs back. Not advocating for it but stop panicking. We get it, you don’t like the move but if anyone dare disagree with your opinion, they are dumb fans! It’s like politics these days
March 26th, 2023 at 8:48 am
If Wirfs CAN succeed at LT saves us several million per year of cap money
March 26th, 2023 at 8:49 am
A new head coach is the Bucs most pressing need.
March 26th, 2023 at 8:54 am
Wirfs needs to move to left tackle because thats where the big money is spent on an oline. Wirfs is going to demand the highest if not highest contract for a lineman. you dont pay that for a RT. LT is the hardest position to fill on the line almost like a decent QB and RT is like finding a decent running back. The 15th highest LT average per year contract is 13.3 million a year. for RT its 6.5 million. RB its 6 million. I looked this up on overthecap.com
March 26th, 2023 at 9:01 am
I am sure Wirfs is all in for left tackle $$$$$$$ thats probably the real reason he don’t want to move Wirfs to left tackle. If they draft a left tackle they won’t have to pay him big money for at least four years.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:07 am
Are there any good left handed QBs in this draft?
March 26th, 2023 at 9:10 am
I love this draft pick!
Tristan Wirfs is a special player.
Wirfs’ elite athleticism and wingspan would allow for him to move to left tackle.
White is a three down back.
Give him an OLINE that can maul people with ME13 and Godwin occupying the defensive secondary’s attention and you have a very balanced offensive attack!
LFG!!!!!!
March 26th, 2023 at 9:12 am
You have to know Wirfs wants to get paid as much as he can make while he still has the wheels. His position money comes at LT. I can see a scenario wherein Wirfs wants to move to LT and the Bucs don’t which leaves Wirfs the option to seek that money on another team when his time comes. Tell me he couldn’t find another team to put him at LT if that is what he decides is his best option.
Joe, I get if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. But Wirfs is capable of LT, as shown from his college days, and deserves the opportunity to start there. If that is what he wants and the Bucs don’t give him a shot, he possibly walks when the time comes
March 26th, 2023 at 9:19 am
Your “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” logic is completely backwards. We are broken at left tackle, and Wirfs has the potential to fix it! Worst case scenario we just move him back if he isn’t showing the same dominance on the left side. Left tackle is far more valuable, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be an All-Pro on that side as well.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:23 am
This guy played lt a whole year too. He can play both. And if drafted he’ll probably play lt since Wirfs is already an all pro rt. This guy is my pick in the draft if he’s there
March 26th, 2023 at 9:28 am
Wirf is going to be the highest paid Tackle in a few years. Not sure if the Bucs wants to make a RT the highest paid offense lineman in the NFL. Makes more sense to move him to LT.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:34 am
Just calm down and cool your jets, JBF and all the other wannabe GMs commenting here.
Jason Licht and the coaches will figure it out and do whatever is best. They could not help last year’s offensive offensive line performance, as it was due to an unexpected retirement, loss of another OL to free agency, and the loss for the entire season of the best center in the NFL … not to mention crap performance by Donovan Smith and injuries for Wirf.
It was the season from hell for the O-line.
It seems unlikely that we’ll have a follow on season from hell. Licht, Bowles, and Canales know they have to fix the O-line, and Licht is famous for drafting great offensive linemen. Whether Wiffs gets moved or not is their call, not ours.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:35 am
I am for leaving Wirfs at right T and drafting a left tackle. There are at least 4 or 5 good LTs in this years draft. With so many other top players there’s no way the Bucs shouldn’t be able to draft a good LT. I am not sure but I hear the left tackle out of Stanford is very good for one. The Bucs have been pretty good at drafting O linemen so I think they will make a good choice hear
March 26th, 2023 at 9:47 am
No way are the Bucs going to draft a RT. There are too many good natural left tackles in the draft this year to try this experiment with Wirfs. Agree with Stebobucsfan, I count 4 very solid LTs and at least one will fall to #19 in the draft. Crazy talk to even Think Jason would do this.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:47 am
Mr. Joseph, Sir…If the Bucs move Wirfs to LT, they won’t have to take a Tackle in the 1st Round…Remember how the Bucs NEED an Edge Rusher who can sack the QB? Are you putting your hopes in Tryon? Nolan Smith, it’s like this kid was shot out of a cannon coming off the edge. Smith could also train/learn under Lavonte David at an ILB spot to make him versatile. Dawand Jones of Ohio State in the 2nd Round would fill the need at RT.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:54 am
Fortify your Trenches Bucs! Wright is a top prospect who is strong and has great foot work. He will be with us for yrs to comes. Just like Wirfs. Also go from a D lineman and some help on our D back end.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:11 am
Im all for it. Wirfs is the best OT in the league and will want to be paid like it. If your going to do that it only makes sense to put your best man at LT to protect the blind side. Premier LT may be off the board well before 19.
To my knowledge we only have 1 tackle at this time and Bucs did not try to address it in free agency which to me means they already know they are drafting one or two.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:11 am
Joe. What’s the success rate of rookies at left tackle? It’s terrible. Right tackles? Not as bad. If Wirfs can play left tackle, he should. Physically, he is one of the most gifted linemen in the game. He is more than capable of the switch. It is far easier to find an NFL right tackle than left. History has proven this.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:13 am
Hopefully we can trade trask for an 8th round pick
March 26th, 2023 at 10:15 am
The Bucs should at least give Wirfs the chance to move to LT because LT’s earn more than RT’s. By not allowing him the opportunity to try would be like holding back his advancement opportunity. If Wirfs decides to pass then at least he was given the opportunity to decide.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:19 am
Don’t forget we need 2 guards too.
The other problem is luke and Robert even good enough to be back ups?
March 26th, 2023 at 10:36 am
Goatfarmer….. this is a right tackle discussion, what do you think about the coach and Trask?
March 26th, 2023 at 10:44 am
I’d say let’s see who we end up drafting first. Assemble the line later. If the guy we get is a natural LT there’s no need for shuffling. As has already been said a new guard wouldn’t hurt either. But damn it man. We need defence too.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:45 am
An average right tackle is far less destructive to the team than an average LEFT tackle. Not sure how it would go though…. Try Wirfs at left, decide at the end of pre-season it isn’t going to work out?
March 26th, 2023 at 10:45 am
I think it’s funny that Joe has a bug up his rear about mock drafts and accuracy. All these mocks are attempts to guess what a team may do based on need and how players stack up. It’s informed speculation. Over the month leading up to the draft, needs change due to free agency, perceived player rankings may change.
So, the funny part is Joe spreads all kinds of speculative nonsense every day based on … nothing … nothing more than other media speculation… But mock drafts are where you draw the arbitrary line regarding accuracy?
Also, reading into words uttered by a coach or a player to make up stories about motives, plans, or potential conflicts? Joe doesn’t mind doing this
, but mock drafts have to be “accurate”? Hahahaha.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:47 am
Mike c, I think you know how goatfarmer feels.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:49 am
Perhaps Broderick Jones (Georgia) for left tackle (if he falls that far). Keep Whirfs at RT.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:53 am
Because we struck put so badly the last time we drafted a right tackle in the 1st round…..
They drafted Wirfs to replace Donovan Smith.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:00 am
I’m old enough to remember when they drafted Kenyatta Walker and moved him to LT.
Don’t mess with Wirfs. Find a natural LT.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:06 am
A really good RT is easier to find than a LT. Wirfs superb abilities are being wasted @ RT.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:14 am
Or perhaps Darnell Wright LT/RT will fall to us in the draft if Broderick Jones does not. See which player (Wirfs or Wright) is best at which position during preseason …decide then.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:31 am
I agree Joe, why not a true left tackles.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:57 am
Why not get a lefty QB.?
March 26th, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Draft 2 tackles. 1 and 2.
March 26th, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Left tackle in the 1st it is then.
Go Bucs!!!
March 26th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
The question isn’t really if we should draft a RT in general. The more specific question is Darnell Wright special enough to warrant picking at 19? My answer is yes. I have all the faith Wirfs can handle the move to left. Wright is an excellent prospect. He has elite size, strength and an incredibly smooth initial kickstep. Zero sacks given up this season. He also has the demeanor of a warrior, very aggressive and tenacious in the run game – something this oline has been sorely missing.
March 26th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
@oxycondoms. Niiiiice!
March 26th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
We need a miracle.
March 26th, 2023 at 12:37 pm
Sasquach, some draftnics are far more accurate than others. Some are incompetent. Some are just lazy. Some are just trying to stir the pot. Only a few are worth reading.
TBH, the pot stirrers are often the most interesting.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:01 pm
So the real question is why didn’t Wirfs play LT in college? Let’s face it he could have already made considerably more money coming into the draft as a left tackle. Iowa has always seemed to be a very well coached program, so I can’t see why they wouldn’t have moved a freak of nature like Wirfs to LT. I’m all for moving home to LT if HE wants it, I just can’t understand why he want already a left tackle
March 26th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
I love the Darnell Wright pick.
TENN tried him at LT in college and it didn’t fit. That would mean Wright play RT and moves Wirfs to LT. Wirfs is such a freak of nature, he’ll succeed anywhere on the OL.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
The question isn’t really if we should draft a RT in general. The more specific question is Darnell Wright special enough to warrant picking at 19? My answer is yes. I have all the faith Wirfs can handle the move to left. Wright is an excellent prospect. He has elite size, strength and an incredibly smooth initial kickstep. Zero sacks given up this season. He also has the demeanor of a warrior, very aggressive and tenacious in the run game – something this oline has been sorely missing.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:12 pm
I agree with joe… to me RT is equally as important as LT. LT maybe a tiny bit more important but not enough to risk ruining arguably the best right tackle in the league. Wirfs right tackle in college except for a few games. Could he make a successful transition maybe, probably, but nobody knows for sure. To me him moving to Lt and being anything less then the all pro he’s been at right tackle is a fail. The reward just doesn’t outweigh the risk to me. Just find another LT!
March 26th, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Short-armed Goedonkey will make an excellent matador at any of the offensive line positions. A rare Jason Licht miss on the O-line.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:17 pm
Agree. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Day 19 of DonnieWatch is upon us……. just saying
March 26th, 2023 at 1:28 pm
DoooshLaRue … that’s super interesting. Good LT don’t stay unemployed. You’d think someone would have snatched him up.
I remember when the Bucs cut Donald Penn (didn’t like that move). He got signed in less than a week.
March 26th, 2023 at 1:31 pm
Bucsfanfred, not quite sure, I think I need to hear it about 500 more times before the season starts 🙄
March 26th, 2023 at 1:42 pm
Bucs need to trade dwon in the first round and pick up this guy in the bottom of the 1st: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Dawand-Jones-OL-OhioState Dawand Jones 6’8″ 375lb with decent skill set
March 26th, 2023 at 2:06 pm
Wirfs played both LT and RT in college and was good at both. He can move to LT as they are harder to find and draft a RT which there are plenty. I like the monster of a RT from Ohio State as well. Stop worrying about moving Wirfs he will be good at either tackle. Just to much talent!
March 26th, 2023 at 2:07 pm
This is who I would gamble on us taking in the draft. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Means nothing. Bucs already made comments about Wirfs taking a shot at LT. LT is broke, Wirfs can fix it. Much easier to find a solid RT than an elite LT.
March 26th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Anton Harrison – LT – Oklahoma – 6’5″ – 315 lbs.
He will probably be available at pick #19.
Then we draft Antonio Johnson/Sydney Brown/Jammie Robinson with pick #50.
Then we draft BPA with pick #82 – TE/RB/DT/Edge/CB/LB/WR/OG
March 26th, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Donovan Smith is still unsigned, so I’m sure he’d be willing to take vet min contract, so just bring him back.
March 26th, 2023 at 2:37 pm
As for Wirfs moving to LT, yes, the Bucs should give that a go so long as Wirfs is onboard with that. Here’s the thing, much like with Marpet being moved to center, if it doesn’t work out, you just move Wirfs back to RT. It’s not like he’s going to forget how to play. Also cross training guys at different positions is never a bad thing (so long as they already know their position).
With all that said, Licht has an excellent record with drafting offensive lineman – so whatever he wants to do, people should be behind it. Also, with Licht’s record, that tells me Luke is still going to work out and be a good player, somewhere on the line.
March 26th, 2023 at 2:43 pm
Why not keep Wirfs where he is and immediately plug Darnell Wright in at LT?
Hasn’t he played both?
March 26th, 2023 at 2:47 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai: From what I’ve read, Wright had holding problems on the left side, like D. Smith did. Tennessee moved him off of LT, so that should tell you something.
March 26th, 2023 at 2:58 pm
“ In 2021, Wright jumped over to the blindside to play left tackle for the first time with Tennessee. He started 13 games with mixed results, only allowing three sacks all season but accumulating ten penalties in the process.”
March 26th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
The front office has been deliberate about this for a few years now when they drafted Wirfs. He was the pick to fill in the RT spot, but it was always understood that he would be moving over when Donnie moved on. Not sure if they are going to draft Wirfs replacement with a first round pick, but I would anticipate that they do take one on the first two days. Licht is also more successful in picking the line guys on the offensive side of the ball.
March 26th, 2023 at 3:19 pm
Maybe the short arms get less holding calls.
March 26th, 2023 at 3:39 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 26th, 2023 at 2:34 pm
Donovan Smith is still unsigned, so I’m sure he’d be willing to take vet min contract, so just bring him back.
____________
Once again, he gave minimal effort while being paid almost 1 million per game and you think he will even match that same minimal effort for a fraction of the money he was making before?
You don’t really understand human nature do you Rod?
March 26th, 2023 at 3:53 pm
JUST AN FYI…
The highest paid Offensive Lineman in the NFL *is* a RT. Lane Johnson just signed a 1-year, $33M deal to stay with the Eagles.
So flipping Wirfs to LT or not isn’t really going to save us money on his future contract.
March 26th, 2023 at 4:23 pm
Bijan Robinson @ 19 would make a great offensive tackle
March 26th, 2023 at 4:28 pm
Because left tackle is too important to leave to only the 19th best prospect.
March 26th, 2023 at 5:17 pm
DoooshLaRue Says:
Once again, he gave minimal effort
———–
Oh God, the boring idiots saying he’s lazy, because they read that on a scouting report in 2015 and have since non-stop repeated it because they’re idiots.
You really think Brady would have tolerated a guy being lazy and not giving effort? Really?
Get some new material.
Also, dummy, I’m joking about the min wage contract. I mean, if you can get a starting LT for that kind of money, they should absolutely do so. Instead I was mocking morons like you that think he’s the worst LT in football.
March 26th, 2023 at 5:32 pm
Brady’s quick release helped the Durable one immensely.
I don’t read scouting reports, I just watch the games. He has poor technique, takes plays off, is a penalty machine and his overall demeanor just screams “I don’t really give a sh!t, just pay me cause I showed up”
I, as most of us here Rod, realize that we don’t possess a fraction of your omnipotent knowledge of the game of football, but my eyes don’t lie and Durable Donnie LITERALLY sucks out loud.
Anywho, hopefully we give Wirfs the opportunity and draft or sign a quality RT.
March 26th, 2023 at 5:32 pm
I agree! Leave Wirfs alone, and draft a left tackle
March 26th, 2023 at 6:20 pm
Dooosh: The Durable One is gone now, you need to pick someone else to hate! Hahaha
March 26th, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Joe in Michigan,
The only 3 players we had that I hated are gone.
JayMiss
Softie93
Durable Donnie
There’s not a player on the team that I don’t like, although Devin White needs to shut up and step up.
The reason I’m still railing against DD is because some very vocal posters on here told me how good he was, that I didn’t know what I was talking about and even more importantly, told me Donnie wouldn’t be a FA for long.
Tomorrow is almost 3 weeks since we released him and other OTs have been courted and signed.
I guess we’ll see.
March 26th, 2023 at 7:09 pm
Debating Drafting a Right Tackle? I just don’t see the debate I guess. We’ve got THE premier Right Tackle in the league right now, but we don’t have a Left Tackle.
Hmmm, wonder if we can all put our heads together & come up with a way to solve this dilemma. MAYBE we could draft a Left Tackle. Nah, too obvious.
March 26th, 2023 at 7:50 pm
That one kid Walton looked like he had potential when he was out there. I would give him a shot at RT. We need man strength on our Oline. A rookie is likely to be overpowered by some of these beasts on the Dline . I would not trust a rookie at such an important position if I didn’t have to. Walton got some good reps and should be able to hold down RT. Then we can draft a pass rusher with our first pick. Wirfs is eventually going to play LT. Now is a good time to do it
March 26th, 2023 at 7:55 pm
It’s easier to draft a competent starting RT than it is to draft LT. If we can draft a LT, then let’s do it, keeping in mind we have equally dire needs on the defensive side of the ball. We’re not exactly in a position to afford trading away picks to move up for the quality LT if that’s what it would take,
If we can’t manage to draft a top LT, then we have to get a RT and move Wirfs. I agree it would be preferable to keep Wirfs where he is, if we can. Ultimately, this potential shift is about what’s best for the team, and it would actually be surprising if Wirfs had any difficulty with the shift.
March 26th, 2023 at 8:20 pm
I agree with don’t fix it if it isn’t broken. We can find a future Left Tackle at 19. I would share the sentiment of a lot on here. Keep Wirfs at RT until you can’t.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:24 pm
What the diff? A left or right tackle can play either side. Same with guard. Draft the best Tackle we can.
March 26th, 2023 at 9:32 pm
it’s a business. hyothetically, you are wirfs. your planning your future. historically significantly more money goes to left tackles. i think he has a fourth yr and fifth yr option contract. mgmt says, wirfs we’re going to keep you at rt.
after your 5th yr, your a free agent. are you going to stay w team @ rt money or shop yourself as left tackle?
just wondering? curious minds would like to know what you might do.
jim
March 26th, 2023 at 10:49 pm
So it seems most of us agree…drafting a stud LT at 19.
If there is one out there I have no idea…but let’s do it if there is one.
March 27th, 2023 at 12:14 am
I’m with Joe on this one, leave Tristan at RT. You want a LT; draft, trade or sign for one.
March 27th, 2023 at 1:13 am
Listen Joe. You can’t have top of the market guys at both tackle spots. Wirfs will want to get paid like a LT. That forces the issue.
March 27th, 2023 at 4:12 am
Spot on Joe… and yes I do remember the switching of Dotson and Marpet.
Why create more question marks for the O-line than we already have… and we have plenty. The guard spots ??? Remember we dumped Shaq…Our depth is less than stellar.
March 27th, 2023 at 4:33 am
Spot on Joe… and yes I do remember the switching of Dotson and Marpet.
Why create more question marks for the O-line than we already have… and we have PLENTY. The guard spots ??? Remember we dumped Shaq…Our depth is adequate but less than stellar.
I played Left Tackle and I did switch to the right side some because I was a better run blocker than the starter there. The footwork took a bit of getting used to. At the NFL level? And from right side to left….well that’s a whole different thing.
March 27th, 2023 at 4:35 am
Not to mention the fact that the whole line is gonna be learning an entirely new offense. And we want to complicate positions and assignments even more?
March 27th, 2023 at 11:33 am
DoooshLaRue Says:
The reason I’m still railing against DD is because some very vocal posters on here told me how good he was
———–
That’s just fake news if you’re talking about me. What I’ve said for years and years is that he’s a completely average tackle.
Last year he had his worst year, which I blame 100% on Leftwich being a moron and never giving him help, always putting him on an island vs the top pass rushers in the NFL. Even with that, he gave up 6 sacks on the season. That’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s average.
Average LT’s who don’t miss games (although he has missed some lately) are very valuable.
March 27th, 2023 at 4:27 pm
OL /DL / OLB need to be our first 2 picks.