Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 Offensive Linemen Bucs Must Consider in 2015 NFL Draft
When it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most of the buzz surrounding the 2015 NFL draft has been the likelihood of drafting a potential franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick and understandably so.
But judging by the results of their 2014 season, it won't matter who the Bucs have under center in 2015 if they don't make some serious upgrades to the offensive line.
Despite replacing four of five starters from the year before, Tampa Bay struggled up front yet again this past season, making it difficult for Josh McCown and Mike Glennon to take advantage of their weapons in the passing game and making life difficult on their running backs.
Whether it's on the left or ride side, Demar Dotson will lock down one of the starting tackle spots, while Logan Mankins will likely return as the starter at left guard. The rest of the starting unit needs attention, though, and should have at least two new starters after the draft and free agency. The team's lack of depth across the entire group was exposed last season, as well, and will need to be addressed.
Here are 10 offensive linemen the Bucs should have a strong interest in come this year's draft.
Arizona State G/T Jamil Douglas
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Versatility is king in the NFL, and it's particularly true along the offensive line. Players who have either the experience or skill set to play multiple positions are highly valued, especially as injuries start to add up over the long season.
One of this year's most underrated linemen, Arizona State's Jamil Douglas, brings that versatility to the table as a prospect who has plenty of experience at both guard and tackle. In all, Douglas started 40 straight games for the Sun Devils and was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2014.
Douglas has a great combination of power and athleticism, which he put on display during an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl. It's possible he could still be available when the Bucs pick in the fourth round, at which point he'd be the perfect selection.
Duke G Laken Tomlinson
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It's not often you can find Day 1 starters in the third round, but the Bucs might be able to do just that if they can grab Duke's Laken Tomlinson.
A massive, powerful blocker, Tomlinson was already considered one of the top guard prospects in this draft before turning in an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Already known for being a dominant run-blocker, the three-time Academic All-ACC selection showed great balance and athleticism in pass protection, as well.
Tomlinson played right guard for Duke in 2014, which is where the Bucs need a new starter. If he's available when Tampa Bay picks at the top of the third round, he would be the perfect fit and would be an instant improvement over anything the team currently has on the roster.
Wisconsin OT Rob Havenstein
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One of many pleasant surprises during Senior Bowl practices, Wisconsin's Rob Havenstein turned heads with his power and punch as a pass-blocker, holding his own against some of the top pass-rushers in the country.
The Badgers have been putting out quality lineman for years, and Havenstein looks to be the next in a long line of NFL successes. Bryan Perez of DraftBreakdown.com thinks the man who hasn't missed a start in three seasons should be an early starter at the next level:
"Havenstein’s experience, power and sound technique suggests that he can start in the NFL early in his career. His longevity will be determined by his ability to compete versus speed, but even if he struggles to the point of no return, he can be kicked inside to guard and pave the way for a strong power-running game.
I put a lot of stock in reps at the tackle position, and Havenstein has them. Guys with his size, experience, power and overall technique are hard to find even when there are some warts in his game.
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If the Bucs want to keep Dotson at left tackle, targeting a player like Havenstein at the top of the third round would be ideal. As Perez stated, even if he isn't able to start at tackle right away, he could slide inside and be an effective guard, which the Bucs also need.
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Oklahoma OT Daryl Williams
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One of many unheralded tackle prospects who overshadowed bigger names during Senior Bowl week, Oklahoma's Daryl Williams should warrant Day 3 consideration from Tampa Bay.
Though he's not the most athletic blocker, Williams is the kind of blue-collar player whom any offensive line coach would love to work with. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com thinks Williams' motor and on-field character are his greatest strengths, but his lack of athleticism could force him inside to the guard position:
"Williams is a competitive player with all the football character you want and NFL power to match. When he gets defenders lined up in his sweet spot, he can drive them out of the play. Winning with guile and toughness over skill, Williams' lack of functional athleticism is a concern and might be a catalyst for a move inside to guard.
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A move inside wouldn't be a bad thing for the Bucs, who have glaring needs at both guard and tackle. High-character guys are a big hit with Bucs head coach Lovie Smith, which could lead to Williams ending up in Tampa Bay anytime after the third round.
Hobart T/G Ali Marpet
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A potential "diamond in the rough" from little-known Hobart College in upstate New York, Ali Marpet turned plenty of heads in Mobile with an impressive performance during Senior Bowl week.
Many were quick to point out Marpet's ability to hang with the top competition in the country, despite coming from such a small program, including Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com. He also showed the versatility to be able to play either guard or tackle, which will bode well for his prospects at the next level.
When looking for depth pieces along the offensive line, the ability to fill in at multiple positions becomes a key factor in a team's evaluation of a prospect. If Marpet is still on the board in the fourth or fifth round, don't be surprised if the Bucs add the small-school standout to bolster their lack of depth up front.
Florida State C/T Cam Erving
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The Bucs have been linked to Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston at the top of the draft, but the man he took snaps from in Tallahassee could just as easily find his way into Tampa Bay's starting lineup in 2015.
Cam Erving was considered a potential first-rounder in the 2014 draft as a tackle prospect, but he chose to return to school. He then moved to center, where he became more dominant than he ever was on the outside. It's rare that center prospects are considered first-round talents, but Erving is easily one of the rare exceptions this year.
Veteran free agent Evan Dietrich-Smith had a disappointing 2014 season, and the Bucs could be looking to replace him if the right option presents itself. Especially if Winston is their pick at No. 1 overall, picking a center who already has plenty of chemistry with the quarterback would make plenty of sense.
Oregon OT Jake Fisher
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Another potential Day 1 starter the Bucs could possibly grab as late as the third round, Oregon's Jake Fisher would be a perfect fit at right tackle if Tampa Bay opts to make Dotson's move to the left side permanent.
Fisher has starting experience at both tackle spots, but he projects as a right tackle at the next level. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote about Fisher's strengths, while positing the former Duck could also slide inside to guard:
"Former tight end who moves easily and naturally. Good initial quickness to reach cross-face blocks. Finisher in zone game. Can sustain blocks with proper hip roll and balance through contact. Keeps base wide and uses choppy, controlled steps in pass sets. Mirrors well and has feet to shut down stunts inside.
Well-timed and effortless transition from initial block to second-level assignment. Adjusts with good change of direction. Fights back with resolution after losing a rep to defender. Understands how to create leverage advantages with angles and footwork.
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A leg injury cost him part of the 2014 season, and he'll have to add some solid bulk and strength, but Fisher could be a good value pick in the third round who could potentially start right away.
Texas A&M OT Cedric Ogbuehi
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Once considered the top offensive lineman in this draft class and a near-lock to go in the top five overall picks, Texas A&M's Cedric Ogbuehi saw his stock cool a bit over the season and then take a nosedive when he tore his ACL just before the Senior Bowl.
The next in an impressive line of Aggie tackles—Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel were both top-10 picks in the last two drafts—Ogbuehi brings starting experience at both tackle spots in the nation's top conference, but his injury will likely drop him into the third-round range, much like Clemson's Brandon Thomas last year.
It's a risky move for a Tampa Bay team that needs an immediate starter, but if Ogbuehi makes a full recovery, the Bucs could end up with quite a steal at the top of the third round by grabbing him.
Florida OT D.J. Humphries
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A fast-rising name over the past week, Florida's D.J. Humphries is a name to keep an eye on as a potential starter at tackle for the Bucs.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller had this to say about Humphries this week:
"When D.J. Humphries declared for the 2015 draft, I can honestly say I hadn't spent one minute on his game film. An early review against the University of Missouri and defensive end Shane Ray had me unimpressed. Thanks to a friend in the scouting community, I dove back in.
Humphries is a very athletic player with the footwork and agility ideal for a zone-blocking scheme. He may be physically maxed out at around 310 pounds, but he shows the natural tools already to play left tackle. His hand placement needs work, but that's a teachable skill most incoming tackles need help with.
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It never hurts to grab local talent when it fits, and the Tampa Bay area is full of die-hard Gator fans who love to root on their former players in the pros. The Bucs could end up grabbing Humphries to fill their need at tackle, and it looks like he could go earlier than many expected.
Georgia Tech G/C Shaq Mason
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If the Bucs are looking for versatility on the interior of the offensive line, Georgia Tech's Shaq Mason could be a prime target.
Though he made 27 straight starts at right guard, Mason took some snaps at center during practice at the Senior Bowl, and he could end up transitioning there at the next level. Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com had this to say about Mason's performance in Mobile:
"It was easy to see Mason's body control and quickness in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense, but it was near impossible to truly evaluate him until seeing him outside of that scheme. This week in Mobile provided scouts that opportunity to judge his talent in a pro-style look and Mason didn't disappoint. He made the easy transition and even took some snaps at center, which might be his best NFL position.
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Tampa Bay needs a new starter at right guard, but could also use a young talent to push veteran center Evan Dietrich-Smith, who struggled in his first year with the Bucs last season. He's another option that could make plenty of sense for the Bucs early on Day 3.
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