Bucs’ new OL tandem has great potential

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, May 04, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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At last weekend's NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set out to end the frustrations that have recently been created by their weak offensive line. In the first round, Tampa selected former University of Oklahoma standout guard Davin Joseph. With their second-round choice, the Bucs chose former Boston College bookend tackle Jeremy Trueblood. Realistically, both could start on Tampa's offensive line next season, since they were two of the draft's best prospects at their respective positions.

Joseph, the 23rd overall pick, played left tackle for the Sooners last year, but he'll shift over to right guard in Tampa. At 6'2" and 314 pounds, he's a better fit for the guard position, which is where the Bucs could use him most, since their current starter, Sean Mahan, is average at best.

The Bucs' selection of Joseph in the first round was somewhat unexpected, since he was a projected early second-rounder, but the pick should work out. Not only does Joseph possess a great deal of talent and potential, but his character and leadership skills are also superb. He'll be a definite boon for the right side of Tampa's offensive line, which certainly could use a stalwart.

The 59th overall pick, Trueblood, can be viewed as a definite steal. The fact that the former BC standout lasted that late into last Saturday's proceedings isn't an indictment on him or his skill, but rather on the franchises that passed on him. Much like Joseph, Trueblood is a terrific leader and character player who will greatly help the Bucs' line. Trueblood is a 6'8", 316-pound menace who has the rare ability to frustrate and dominate even the best opposing defensive linemen.

Currently at right tackle, the Bucs bring veteran Kenyatta Walker. A former first-round pick in the 2001 draft, Walker has been a major letdown in the NFL. He signed an inexpensive free agent contract in March to stay in Tampa, so the starting job certainly isn't automatically his by any means. Trueblood will have the opportunity to step in and win that position, which he probably will. Frankly, the Bucs' offense would be far better off if Trueblood played than if Walker did.

If Joseph and Trueblood win their respective position battles the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a much better right side to their offensive line next season. The tandem possesses boundless upside, so head coach Jon Gruden and offensive line coach Bill Muir would be wise to give them every opportunity to start in 2006.

--Connor Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.
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