Bucs’ Best Bets: Guard-Center

Bucs’ Best Bet Rounds 1-3: LSU G Damien Lewis

Put on Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s highlight tape and it’s hard not to notice Lewis, who was LSU’s right guard. Time after time Edwards-Helaire runs right behind No. 68 for first downs and touchdowns. Lewis, a junior college transfer, lined up next to center Lloyd Cushenberry III to not only block for Edwards-Helaire, but also Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow during LSU’s national championship season. Lewis, a second-team All-SEC guard, is solidly built at 6-foot-2, 324 pounds and is an absolute mauler in the run game, which is an area where Tampa Bay wants to improve in 2020.

Where Lewis needs to continue to work on his craft is in pass protection. He has a good, stout base when pass blocking, but he needs to continue to work on his footwork to stay square when mirroring his opponents. What helps Lewis is his incredibly strong hands and punch in both pass blocking and run blocking, along with his nasty demeanor. The Bucs conducted a formal interview with Lewis at the NFL Scouting Combine and also scouted him at the Senior Bowl where he performed well. NFL scouts have mixed opinions on Lewis, grading him between a second-rounder and a fourth-rounder. He would be an ideal selection in the third round and could compete with Alex Cappa for the starting right guard. – Scott Reynolds

Bucs’ Best Bet Rounds 4-7: Clemson G John Simpson

At 6-foot-4, 324 pounds, Simpson has great size and massive 11-inch hands, which helps him as both a pass protector and as a run blocker. Like Lewis, Simpson has played against top-notch competition in college, and played in the national championship game, albeit on a sprained ankle. The Clemson coaching staff thought enough of Simpson to put him in the backfield for a touchdown carry, which is rare for offensive linemen at any level of football. Simpson, a two-year starter for the Tigers, is regarded as one of the leaders of the offensive line.

Where Simpson needs to improve at the next level is firing off the ball quicker and with a greater sense of urgency. That has led to too many false starts as he tries to overcompensate by getting a quicker jump after he’s been beaten, and it has led to too many holding calls. If Simpson can spend time improving his footwork he’ll be a much more effective guard at the next level. All the tools are there for him to succeed and be a competent NFL starter. Simpson, who had an informal interview with the Bucs at the NFL Scouting Combine, is a middle round pick who should be off the board by the end of the fourth round. – Scott Reynolds

Bucs’ Best Bet Rounds 1-3: LSU C Lloyd Cushenberry III

The Bucs don’t have a pressing need at center with Ryan Jensen as the anchor of the offensive line, but he’s only under contract for two more years and the team could be looking for long-term continuity at the position. Jensen turns 30 next season and is slated to make $10 million in each of the next two years. Drafting a player like Cushenberry and developing him behind Jensen for a year could help the team long-term and would give Tampa Bay a much cheaper option at center in 2021 if the team wanted to make a switch.

Cushenberry, who will likely be drafted in the second or third round, was the leader of LSU’s talented offensive line and helped spearhead the pass protection for Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and lead the blocking for Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the SEC’s leading rusher. He could work on improving his footwork in pass protection, but he excels in firing off the ball in the ground game. Tampa Bay had a formal interview with Cushenberry at the NFL Scouting Combine. – Scott Reynolds

Bucs’ Best Bet Rounds 4-7: Washington C Nick Harris

Harris has one of the worst bodies in the draft. At 6-foot-1, 302 pounds with short arms, he does not look like an NFL offensive lineman until you turn on the game film. Then you see what Harris does best, which is win with impressive technique, great leverage and incredible mobility. Harris might be the best mobile lineman in the draft, capable of effectively getting to the second level to block linebackers in the interior run game and the perimeter run game, and he’s deadly on screen passes.

Where Harris’ physical limitations show up is in pass protection as he loses effectiveness when blocking one-on-one due to his penchant for getting overpowered, especially if doesn’t strike first. He’s much better helping double-team with guards. The Bucs like Harris’ physicality, high football I.Q., sound technique and competitiveness and conducted a formal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine. If Harris was two inches taller and 15 pounds heavier he would be a second-round pick. Instead, he’s likely a fourth-round pick. Harris, a four-year starter, played guard early at Washington where he squared off against Vita Vea in practice, but doesn’t have the size to start at guard in the NFL. – Scott Reynolds