Is Kevin Pamphile Ready To Start?

Kevin Pamphile started one game last year at left guard and he played outstanding displaying his athleticism and strength showing his potential as a guard. It was impressive as he was opening holes left and right for Doug Martin, who went on to have on big rushing day with 123 yards and 3 Tds. Pamphile, 25 was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 draft and projected to be a tackle, but this past off-season he made the move to learn the guard position as well. This help Pamphile become more versatile as a player, and a better player overall.

Most of the 2015 season, Pamphile was used as a 6th lineman allowing the Bucs to run behind an big formation set helping achieve the 5th rushing attack. Pamphile uses his basketball background to his advantage as he is very agile for a man his size allowing him to be an asset when he is out on the perimeter. Heading into his third season, it looks like Pamphile might be ready to take the next step and become a starter.

With Logan Mankins contemplating whether to retire or not, Bucs are pegging Pamphile as his possible replacement showing great faith in the young lineman. The Bucs feel Pamphile is just going to continue to get better as his upside is limitless due to his athleticism. Jason Licht sees a bright future ahead:per Pewterreport.com

"Kevin Pamphile did a great job for us last year and we’re really excited about his future,” Licht said. “He’s done so many things for us from playing the tight end role as a blocker, swing tackle and he filled in for Logan at guard. That’s where we think his future is.”

With Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet already showing great promise for the future, adding Pamphile to that mix gives the Bucs a great foundation for the offensive line, a line that should be a strength for years to come. Pamphile has come a long way since he was a rookie as he has shown constant improvement each year, now in year 3 it is time to take the next step and be that starting guard that the Bucs need him to be.