CBS has the Bucs going BPA
"A recent CBS mock draft put together by Zachary Perelis has the Buccaneers doing exactly that (going BPA) with the selection of Penn State IOL Olaivavega Ioane.
"GM Jason Licht has shown a willingness to invest in offensive linemen early in the draft, using two first-round picks and two second-round picks at the position since 2020," Perelis wrote. "All four are still starting for Tampa Bay. Now, he adds the top interior lineman in the draft; Olaivavega Ioane would start at left guard from Day 1 and bring some nastiness to the position."
Licht overrates Bredeson. As bad as I want Fano or Vega I’m resigned to the fact it’s not happening. It’s a shame because they have 3 pieces to be a historic line but there’s two oafs in the middle.
That is a lot of money to be going to OL when the Bucs do not have a QB under contract beyond this season. Do not have any front seven defender on a long term deal and they have to extend McLaughlin too.
So drafting a guard in round 1 may sound great for making a great OL but in reality it leaves major issues managing the salary cap moving forward for the the rest of the roster.
If Licht is looking to upgrade OL expect him to draft one in round 2 which also upgrades the depth at two spots as Bredeson slides into the backup interior OL role. But if Licht is looking for depth on the OL more like round 3, 4, or 5 is what he will do.
That is a lot of money to be going to OL when the Bucs do not have a QB under contract beyond this season. Do not have any front seven defender on a long term deal and they have to extend McLaughlin too.
So drafting a guard in round 1 may sound great for making a great OL but in reality it leaves major issues managing the salary cap moving forward for the the rest of the roster.
If Licht is looking to upgrade OL expect him to draft one in round 2 which also upgrades the depth at two spots as Bredeson slides into the backup interior OL role. But if Licht is looking for depth on the OL more like round 3, 4, or 5 is what he will do.
Having a truly elite OL is a cheat code. It helps the defense just as much the offense if used properly. I don’t think the problem is resource allocation. I think the problem is Licht thinks Bredeson and Barton are good. Internally the Bucs think the OL is a finished product. And now we’re stuck with a good OL when it’s a couple tweaks away from being amazing.
I don’t think the problem is resource allocation.
of course its a resource allocation thing because everything is a resource allocation thing and the Bucs have one of the most expensive O lines? top 5 or 6?
Internally the Bucs think the OL is a finished product. And now we’re stuck with a good OL
I wouldnt be surprised if they drafted someone, but if they do not its probably more that they are banking on a healthy line being much better than 2025 and there are other needs