Donovan Smith to Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

On Day 1 of the NFL draft Thursday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got their quarterback for the future in Florida State University's Jameis Winston.

On Day 2 Friday, the Bucs picked up Winston's bodyguard.

With the second pick in the second round, the Bucs picked up offensive lineman Donovan Smith from Penn State.

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Smith's role will be more than just to be the personal protector of Winston. It will be to help an offensive line that struggled last season in protecting the quarterback and rushing the ball.

Only Washington and Jacksonville gave up more sacks than Tampa Bay’s 53 in 2014 and the team was 29th in the league in rushing yards per game at 85.9.

Smith should immediately help.

A natural left tackle, Smith said he could play on the right side or even at guard if needed. He has the size of a guard and is powerful. According to his Penn State bio, Smith was one of the strongest guys on the team, lifting 400 in the bench press and squatting 500 pounds, which shows up in the run game.

Despite his size (6’4” and 325 pounds), he is nimble and can move well enough to protect in the passing game.

Smith comes to the Bucs with a little chip on his shoulders. He was one of the last players invited to the Senior Bowl, and NFL Network’s Mike Mayock questioned his heart and love for the game.

Smith bristled when asked about his desire.

“I don’t think anybody who takes this route don’t love the game as much as people may have said they don’t,” Smith told the Tampa Bay media shortly after being drafted. “It’s definitely a game you have to be crazy to play. The amount of hours it takes to take care of body (and) working out, you have to be crazy and have to love and eat, sleep and breathe it to do the things you have to do to be better.”

Former NFL defensive lineman Steve White liked overall what he saw on tape.

In his junior season, Smith was instrumental in anchoring a line that helped Penn State gain at least 350 yards in every game and scoring 23 points in nine of those contests. Penn State also rushed for 250 yards on four occasions that year, including 287 rushing yards against Kent State.

The Bucs fell for Smith when offensive line coach George Warhop interviewed him and then worked him out, the rookie said.

It also helped that Smith played under a pro system for two years under former coach Bill O’Brien, who is now coach of the Houston Texans.

“I credit him to this day,” Smith said. “The few years I had with him, he helped in breaking me in with what an NFL offense looks like. The two years helped me transition better.”

At 2-14, the Bucs had a ton of needs. But Tampa Bay couldn’t afford to pass up on Smith. He could be the anchor for the offensive line for years to come.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.