Kevin Pamphile's Opportunity Has Arrived

Going into the off-season, the Bucs knew they were going to have to replace LG Logan Mankins who decided to retire after the 2015 season. Lucky enough the team had Kevin Pamphile waiting in the wings who really took a step forward last year and became one of the more dependable lineman on the team. However, Bucs Gm Jason Licht wanted to bring in a veteran to replace Mankins so the Bucs decided to bring in J.R Sweezy from Seattle to be the starter at LG.

Well so far Sweezy has struggled with a back injury and looks like he will miss the first part of the regular season. This is a great opportunity for Pamphile to shine and show the team that the LG position is his for the foreseeable future. Pamphile is a hard worker and has the right attitude as he just wants to help this team win. Pamphile has come a long way since 2014 being drafted in the 5th round out of Purdue as a left tackle and is now capable of playing all 5 line positions. This situation is similar to when the Bucs brought in Luke Petitgout in 07 but got hurt in which Donald Penn stepped in and was the Bucs left tackle for the next 6 years.

Pamphile has that kind of opportunity and needs to take advantage of it by playing to his full potential. He has all the tools needed as he is athletic, strong, solid technique, and is a smart player. Now just has to put it all together and the good news he has shown it before as he was outstanding in that Jaguars game in which he started in. Here is his athleticism on display in which he opens up a big hole on a screen to C.Sims.

We should find out soon enough if Pamphile is up for the challenge, I say he is based on his makeup but he has to go out and prove it. Time to put up or shut up for Mr. Pamphile.

Dotson Looks to be Back to 2014 Self

2015 was an unfortunate year for right tackle Demar Dotson as he could never get on track due to injuries. Now finally healthy, Dotson is ready to prove he is one of the top right tackles in the game and earn a big contract as he is in the final year of his current deal. Well Dotson looks fantastic so far in camp as he has been dominant especially during Monday's session as he was physical and athletic as well.

1-on-1 pass-rush drill as entertaining as ever, and 1 guy who really seems to be killing his reps is T Demar Dotson.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) August 1, 2016

Dotson is looking like his 2014 self as he was the Bucs best lineman that season, and so far during this camp he has been the best on the O-line. Dotson can really be a force due to his size at 6'9 315lbs which makes him tough to beat around the edge. He has above average athleticism where he can get out in the open field and lead the way on screens and tosses to the outside. This offensive line was pretty good without Dotson, now with him back this line could be the force that it needs to be. With Logan Mankins gone, Dotson needs to be the leader and so far in camp he has done just that.

Who is J.R. Sweezy?

When first signed many Bucs fans saw Sweezy as a depth pick up or someone that wasn't a big deal. Granted fans were thinking the Bucs would go out and spend the big bucks on some highly touted defensive end to help pass rush but they ended up with some no name offensive lineman. So who is J.R. Sweezy and why did he get such a big contract, 5 years 32.5 million.

J.R. Sweezy grew up playing linebacker in high school, then eventually defensive end in college. He never once played offensive line until he agreed to switch positions and was drafted in the 7th round by the Seattle Seahawks. Sweezy has only played his guard position for 4 years and has already gotten a reputation for being a vicious run blocker while standing 6'5 300 pounds.

While being questioned today during his press conference Sweezy talked a little about himself and what he's about.

"The high effort thing, thats just me playing ball, I'm going to play whistle to whistle. Doing everything I can to block an extra second." Sweezy went on to say, "I love run blocking, thats what I live for. I take a lot of pride in it and I want to run the football. Thats what I'm about."

Sweezy will be taking over Logan Mankins spot at left guard which will be a slight change from his normal position at right guard, but he appears up for the challenge. Sweezy can add to a Bucs line that ended up being a strength at the end of the year. With his 5 year contract he can grow with the young lineman in Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet to form a formidable line to protect Jameis and pave the way for Doug Martin. Licht took some heat from fans for not throwing the money out but signing Sweezy was a big deal, especially in helping the franchise QB.

The biggest draw for Sweezy wasn't the money or a certain player but he stated it was a certain feeling.

"Everybody I talk to say we're on the brink of something special here." 

I agree with Sweezy and to be honest the biggest reason is because of having our franchise QB in Jameis as well as having a man with a direction in Licht at the helm. Let's keep moving forward to see how "special" this team can get.

Bucs Showing Interest in Former Seahawks Guard.

With the news of starting left guard Logan Mankins retiring, the Bucs are looking for an potential replacement or at least competition for the likely new left guard in Kevin Pamphile. Even though Pamphile did great in his one start against the Jaguars last year, Pamphile is still inexperience and shouldnt just be handed the job. Today per Rand Getlin of NFL Network said the Bucs are one of the many teams showing interest in Seattle guard J.R Sweezy.

For OG J.R. Sweezy, teams who've expressed interest: #Bucs, #Falcons, #Lions, #Dolphins, #Saints, #49ers, #Jags, #Bears, #Jets, others.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 7, 2016

Sweezy is a big athletic guard showing the ability to move in space and pick up blocks down field. He has been a consistent starter for the Seahawks as he has started at least 15 games the past three years. At 6'5 298 and only 26, I think Sweezy could be a good value signing for the Bucs and would provide starting ability and good depth. However I wouldn't overpay for him since the seahawks offensive line has struggled and Sweezy is a decent lineman but nothing special.

Farewell to Logan Mankins

Today behind the breaking news of Peyton Manning's retirement, the Bucs had a respected man hang up his cleats as well. Logan Mankins has officially decided to retire after 11 elite seasons in which he was a Pro Bowler in 7 of them. Mankins will better be known for his days with the Patriots but his time here in Tampa won't go unnoticed.

He was crucial in bringing a winning culture to the Bucs and showing a winners mentality is supposed to be. Mankins was the first man to step up in the locker room to give a speech to Kwon Alexander in front of the whole team to show his respects. Mankins has also had his part in grooming the young Bucs lineman (Smith, Marpet, Pamphile) whom will continue to grow off of his teachings.

Mankins was a true professional and a hell of a teammate. His 2 years in Tampa were more than enough to show the type of player he was. You truly represented the Bucs well and it was a joy to watch you on Sundays.

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.

Logan Mankins Debating Retirement

Pro bowl left guard Logan Mankins is still contemplating wether or not he still has it in him to go through the long grind of a football season per profootballtalk.com

“Not yet, I’m trying to just take my time and make the right decision. Things like that, usually, you don’t want to rush into,”

 “Right. I want to give them the earliest notice that I can to not put them in a tough situation. So, eventually, they’ll be the first ones to know, other than my wife and kids.”

Mankins came to the bucs in 2014 when Jason Licht traded TE Tim Wright to the Patriots for the 7 time pro bowler. Mankins is a huge voice in the locker room and a veteran presence for a very young offensive line. After the week 7 win against the Atlanta Falcons Mankins gave a speech and handed the game ball to Kwon Alexander after he had played in the game just days after the passing of his little brother. He is a true professional and a winner. Let's hope he has enough left in the tank for at least one more year.