2014 NFL Mock Draft Review: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Get Younger on the Offensive LineBy Leo Howell - Dec 10th, 2013 
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Our friends over at NFL Mocks have released their latest mock draft, and author Sayre Bedinger has the Buccaneers making a pick that may not seem like a need, but it helps in multiple ways. 7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State The Bucs would love to land one of the top pass rushers here, and they could still try and trade up or take Buffalo’s Khalil Mack here, but I think Erving is a good fit. Mike Glennon has proven that he should at least get a shot to start next year, so the Bucs make a move here to upgrade the offensive line and protect the QB. While the point about Mike Glennon is up for debate, and the comment about wanting a top pass rusher and missing out is incredibly true, the selection of an offensive tackle makes tons of sense. You may ask why, considering the improved play of Demar Dotson and the veteran presence of Donald Penn. But it’s Penn’s large contract which makes this deal beneficial for the Buccaneers, as it gives Tampa Bay a young left tackle who could wind up being better than Penn in the long run, and allows them to move on from Penn and save a substantial amount of money. According to the Over the Cap calculator, the Buccaneers could release Penn and have less than $700,000 in dead money, with cap savings of over 7,000,000 thanks to removing Penn’s contract from the books. And considering that the cap hit for a pick in the 7-10 range will cost about a third of what Penn currently makes, the Buccaneers could have more cash in hand to find pass rushers and tight ends this offseason while also locking up Gerald McCoy for the long haul. So what makes Erving special? He’s a former defensive tackle with an aggressive approach and quick feet. And if you’ve watched the Florida State offense recently, you’ve seen how the offensive line paves the way for a running game that is almost as dominant as the Heisman contender under center for the Seminoles. Unlike adding Sammy Watkins, which would not free up any money due to the structure of Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams’ contracts, this move makes perfect sense despite offensive tackle not seeming to be a “need” at the moment. So if the Buccaneers miss out on a pass rusher or quarterback in the draft, don’t be surprised to see an offensive tackle holding up a red jersey in New York at the draft. http://thepewterplank.com/2013/12/10/2014-nfl-mock-draft-review-tampa-bay-buccaneers-get-younger-offensive-line/
I like the idea of letting Penn go. But I like the idea of moving Dotson to LT and drafting a RT later in the draft better, then let Carimi and the draft pick fight it out. Dotson has such long arms and quick feet, I think he'd make a great LT. Then still try to use #1 on pass rush.
I like the idea of letting Penn go. But I like the idea of moving Dotson to LT and drafting a RT later in the draft better, then let Carimi and the draft pick fight it out. Dotson has such long arms and quick feet, I think he'd make a great LT. Then still try to use #1 on pass rush.
I think the idea of Carimi "fighting it out" for a starting gig terrifies me. Yes, the rookie should be able to be better than him but then again a log might be better than good ol' Gabe.
And that's fine. I'd hope the rookie would be able to win the position. My point is more that I'd rather spend a 2nd on a RT than a 1st on a LT, if they think Dotson can make the move. I think he can.
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
If the Bucs draft Erving, it needs to be because they think he can be a stud for 10 years, not so they can save some money.
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
Not the worst idea in the world. His run blocking has improved substantially over the years.
A Possible Solution to Penn’s large contract ?
Maybe he could eat it
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
Not the worst idea in the world. His run blocking has improved substantially over the years.
It has, but I think he's too top-heavy to be as effective inside. I think he'll have a harder time getting leverage against DTs than DEs
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
Actually, this makes some sense as they could let either Joseph or Nicks go instead. The one thing you can count on is Penn playing on Sunday, you can't say that for Joseph or Nicks. At this point, neither has shown that they are worth the money that they are being paid. I leery about the toe issue that Nicks has and wonder if he'll ever be the same and Joseph has been very inconsistent this year. I wouldn't release both, but I'm not sure which one I would gamble on and keep.Anyway, drafting a offensive lineman in the 1st isn't a bad idea, but I think I'd rather get a playmaker WR for the offense if we can't get a pass rush DE. JMO.
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
Not the worst idea in the world. His run blocking has improved substantially over the years.
It has, but I think he's too top-heavy to be as effective inside. I think he'll have a harder time getting leverage against DTs than DEs
If Meredith can play inside effectively, I'm willing to bet that Penn could do so as well. Penn's just a guy that gets the job done.
For me the Bigger question should be does Carl Nicks deserve the contract he's toting around? Grant it he had nothing to do with the MRSA infection. But when he's been healthy, the Bucs running games has been abysmal. JMOWhen was the last time Penn was hurt and hasn't been able to play? Draft his replacement/insurance that can also play Guard in the 2nd or 3rd round IMO.
You guys are right one thing for sure you can count on Penn playing on Sunday. It's tuff call for me but , I would see if I can get a 2nd and a 4th for Penn andDraft the kid from Auburn (# 73) and move Dotson over. In reality he really is the least of our problems.
I can't see a GM/HC duo, who are heading into a hot seat season, addressing any issues on the O-line through the draft, save for TE. More logically, the GM will throw money at any perceived problems by bringing in a top tier FA.
If they draft a tackle then just move Penn to guard.
Not a bad idera honestly. He has the body for it and if he played LT, he can surely handle G.The idea of moving Dotson to LT kills me though. Why do people assume, just because a guy has been solid at RT, he can just switch sides and be a great LT? It rarely ever works that way. Also, Penn only averages $7M a year. That isn't even in the top ten for LT salaries. He is a good value at that price. Davin Joseph on the other hand averages $7.5M and is the 5th highest paid guard in the league. Nicks averages $9.5M and is the #1 highest paid guard in the league. We need to cut some fat from the o-line for sure, but I'd keep Penn's $7M and look at the $17M we are paying two guards that are doing nothing for us.
