Rob McCartney Not Expecting A Quality Offensive Tackle To Fall From The Sky
August 22nd, 2025
Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney.
Joe understands a lot of Bucs fans aren’t sold on Charlie Heck playing left tackle until All-Pro Tristan Wirfs is able to take the field again.
These same fans are likely hoping a proven left tackle gets cut or is a salary cap casualty a week from tomorrow when teams have to slice their rosters down to the mandatory 53 on Aug. 26.
Bucs coaches and personnel folks will begin today hashing out who stays and who goes. And while they do that, the bulk of the personnel department, including college scouts, are all studying NFL preseason tape to cobble together lists of players the Bucs may want to sign if these players are released next week.
“Our scouts are upstairs right now,” Bucs assistant general manager Rob McCartney said yesterday after practice.
“Actually, all of our college scouts are in town, too. So, we got everybody up in the draft room watching all the bubble guys, certain positions that we may think we’re weaker at than some other spots.
“And [we’re] just going over other teams’ rosters and trying to have everything lined up before we play Saturday and then come in Sunday morning and watch some more games.”
Given how the Bucs’ second team offensive line has looked leaky all through training camp and worthless preseason games, one would figure McCartney and his staff might be closely monitoring tackles.
McCartney seemed to throw cold water on the idea that a starting-caliber tackle will magically be unemployed next week.
“Is there a tackle that we really love?” McCartney said. “Most teams probably aren’t going to cut a tackle” that is starter-quality.
Tackles, McCartney noted, are too valuable a commodity. So teams generally aren’t going to let a decent backup tackle escape their building.
August 22nd, 2025 at 7:32 am
Pretty much every team is looking to upgrade their tackle spot.
I think the Bucs really improved when Goedeke showed that he can be an above average tackle in this league.
Tackles so much more important than guards.
August 22nd, 2025 at 7:47 am
Good news is it looks like Wirfs will be back sooner, rather than later. Other teams, like Atlanta might have bigger problems that us. I’ve kept an eye on Chukma this preseason, and I think he’s been doing well. Could have a bright future going forward.
August 22nd, 2025 at 8:20 am
I still think Heck will be able to handle the LT slot . While he isn’t th e 2nd coming of Wirfs who is? If Chukwama keeps developing at a steady pace we could actually be set for the future. Heck after all is only 28 so he is just coming into his prime. Keep the faith Heck will be fine .
August 22nd, 2025 at 9:42 am
“Tackles, McCartney noted, are too valuable a commodity. So teams generally aren’t going to let a decent backup tackle escape their building.”
By his own admission, our Mr. so called “Ring of Honor GM” let Skule walk.
August 22nd, 2025 at 9:47 am
Skule is NOT a decent backup tackle?
August 22nd, 2025 at 11:13 am
Atlanta just lost their starting right tackle for possibly half the season or more. He was hurt in PRACTICE. Morris has not played any offensive player a single play in preseason but two of their top 6 three tackles have been ruled out for game1.
August 22nd, 2025 at 11:22 am
Buddha that’s a big deal having them lose those 2 tackles. Kinda evens up the playing field for game 1 now. I would not like our chances otherwise with the Bucs injuries across the board.
August 22nd, 2025 at 11:39 am
Buddha,
Left handed Penix means the RT is his blind side protector and if I’m not mistake they’re down to a 3rd stringer at the position. Things should be interesting week one. I’d rotate every single OLB we have against that one reserve. Throw everything at him, straight rush, stunts, blitzes, and even line Vea & Kancey up out there on’em.
August 22nd, 2025 at 5:08 pm
Outside of the first few plays, the 2nd team offensive line actually looked really good vs the Titans starters (mostly starters). Although I think it’s more about the Titans lack of talent than anything.
August 22nd, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Oh Heck.
August 23rd, 2025 at 12:01 am
If one does fall from the sky, please don’t let him land on Mikey or Baker.