The Bucs’ signing of 42-year-old quarterback Tom Brady made it clear that they are going all-in these next two seasons while they have the future Hall of Famer under center.
But, if the Bucs seriously want to contend next season in the NFC South, they’ll need to make sure they provide Brady with all the protection and help he can get. The receiver position seems solid as ever with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin leading the charge, but it’s no secret the backfield could use a boost. However, the first major issue the Bucs need to address offensively is their O-line. Having Brady back in the pocket will do them no good if they can’t keep him upright.
While this week’s NFL draft provides them the perfect opportunity to snag an offensive lineman, they currently hold the 14th pick, behind other teams in need of O-line help. So, is it possible Bucs GM Jason Licht tries to move up to ensure he gets the tackle he wants? NFL.com writer Adam Schein seems to think so.
Per Schein:
“Earlier this month, I talked to Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on SiriusXM Radio, and I just got that feeling. They both seemed like they could be interested in moving up from their respective first-round draft slots… When it comes to the Bucs, they’re pretty loaded on defense. I would argue that they need two things on offense to help out new quarterback Tom Brady: another tackle and another back. I won’t be surprised if Licht moves up to snag one of the Big Four tackles and then goes running back early in Day 2.”
The big four tackles Schein is referring to are Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Jedrick Wills (Alabama), Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) and Andrew Thomas (Georgia). Several mock drafts have had the Bucs taking Thomas at the 14th spot. But, if there’s a run on tackles early, Tampa Bay may have no choice but to move up. Protecting Brady is the priority, so if it costs a late-round pick to get a top tackle, so be it.
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