NFL rookies selected in round one of the draft already feel the pressure upon entering the league. Franchises can invest millions of dollars and structure their entire organization around a player they deem to be a foundational talent only to watch them struggle to meet expectations.
Perhaps no rookie from the 2020 class will have more pressure on him this season than offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. While a guy like Joe Burrow will be given time to develop in Cincinnati with a rebuilding Bengals squad, Wirfs will be looked upon to provide immediate protection up front for six-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady, who will lead a revamped Bucs squad with championship expectations.
The Buccaneers allowed 47 sacks last season on former quarterback Jameis Winston, while Brady was only sacked 27 times in New England with the Patriots. Tampa Bay moved up in round one to get Wirfs, who was the last remaining of the four top tackles.
Wirfs is a monster athlete and a gym rat, both of which will come in handy in the NFL. And, from the sound of it, he’s ready for the challenge of helping protect the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Bucs rookie T Tristan Wirfs says it wouldn't really matter to him if he played right or left tackle. Says he flipped back and forth last year at Iowa.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) July 31, 2020
Tristan Wirfs recognizes that it's "a pretty big deal" to protect a guy like Tom Brady. Says he's going to have be very detailed in his preparations.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) July 31, 2020
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