MOBILE, ALA. - The Bucs were pretty pleased with the play of their offensive line this season - pleased, but not content.
Content would suggest the Bucs are happy to leave things just as they are for another year, but they're not. With the exception of left guard, the Bucs believe they need to get better at every spot on the line.
That's why they've spent a good portion of their time at the Senior Bowl this week watching University of Oklahoma guard Davin Joseph.
Though they were happy with the play this season of starting right guard Sean Mahan, the Bucs believe Mahan is a little small for the guard spot and is better suited to play center. Before they move Mahan, the Bucs want to be sure they've got somebody better to plug in at guard. That's where Joseph comes in.
Though it's difficult to predict who will be available when the Bucs make their first pick (23rd overall) in this year's draft, it's a decent bet Joseph will be. Several teams currently have him rated as a late first-round selection, so the chances of the Bucs finally getting a shot at Joseph seem good.
We say finally because the Bucs have had their eye on Joseph since this time last year, when he came close to declaring for the draft as a junior.
"I was hoping he'd come out last year," said Bucs senior assistant and assistant offensive line coach Aaron Kromer. "I like the kid. I look at those long arms and think, 'This guy can be good.' "
Joseph's arms are probably the first thing you notice about him. They literally hang down to his knees, which means he'll have a natural advantage.
"Those arms are really going to help him keep defenders away," said Mike Munchak, the Tennessee Titans' offensive line coach who is prepping Joseph for this weekend's Senior Bowl game. "But he moves well, too, and he's got nice size. Some teams may want to take a look at him at tackle, but I think he's a natural fit at guard. He could come in ready to play there."
Any team wanting to look at Joseph as a tackle won't be the first. Joseph (6-foot-3, 312 pounds) spent his senior season playing left tackle because the Sooners failed to recruit a worthy replacement there.
"I didn't mind it," Joseph said of playing left tackle. "That's what the team needed, and I care more about the team than I do myself. I was just glad to be able to help out that way.
"And besides, I think it helped me out. I mean, I proved I can be pretty versatile by playing tackle and I learned a lot. Things that I used to cheat on and get away with at guard, I couldn't do at tackle. So it made me better."
Scouts don't disagree. Bucs scouting director Ruston Webster was one of several who said this week that Joseph's ability to play both positions will help him not only on draft day but also beyond.
Joseph said he feels "at home" at guard and added he didn't mind it at all when he learned he would be moved back there for the Senior Bowl. After all, Joseph has been on the move almost his entire career.
A state and national wrestling champion out of Hallandale, Joseph joined the Sooners' program as a defensive tackle. Shortly after reaching the OU campus, he was moved to guard. Then came the move to tackle.
"I liked playing on the defensive side of the ball, but the offensive line is where I found my home," he said. "I just feel more comfortable there. And I think it's worked out pretty well for me."
The move out of state worked out, too. Joseph contemplated attending Florida, but he would have come in just as Steve Spurrier was leaving, and he didn't feel right about the direction of the program.
He also contemplated attending Florida State and had an offer to go to Miami, but neither venue had the kind of campus atmosphere he was looking for.
"I wanted to live in a real college town and experience that, and Oklahoma gave me that better than any other place," he said. "But now that my time there is done, I wouldn't mind coming home to Florida. That would be great."
wouldn't surprise me too much ... his a OG/OT, who played gaurds until last year, where he moved outside to LT for the Sooners ... looks to be a OG in the pros at this point
IMO, he is the 2nd best OG in the draft. He needs to bulk up a bit if he stays at OG where, IMO, he is best at since he is kind of lean right now but that will come with some NFL weight programs.
He is a good pass protector and a solid run blocker and he is in pretty good shape so he doesnt wear down during the game or have trouble reaching the 2nd level.
IMO, he is worth an early 2nd round pick and would be a steal there. If the Bucs take him in the 1st, which i just dont see happening, but if they did, he could be a solid OL for years to come.
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BUNKLEY!!! JUSTICE!!! GOCONG!!! JEAN GILLES!!! AVANT!!!
BLOOM???
Originally posted by ILOVEFOOTBALL@Jan 30th '06 @ 6:39 pm IMO, he is the 2nd best OG in the draft. He needs to bulk up a bit if he stays at OG where, IMO, he is best at since he is kind of lean right now but that will come with some NFL weight programs.
He is a good pass protector and a solid run blocker and he is in pretty good shape so he doesnt wear down during the game or have trouble reaching the 2nd level.
IMO, he is worth an early 2nd round pick and would be a steal there. If the Bucs take him in the 1st, which i just dont see happening, but if they did, he could be a solid OL for years to come.
He solidified his elusiveness by moving to LT this year for us. But in the NFL, he is a G-his natural position. He doesn't have the greatest size, but he graded out very well this year and only allowed 3 sacks. He's behind Jean-Giles and pretty even with Lutui in my opinion. Definitely not a 1st round pick, but late 2nd I could see you guys getting him. Do you guys have any extra 3rd round picks? He'll most likely be gone by late 3rd round.
Originally posted by I bleed Sooner red@Jan 30th '06 @ 7:12 pm He solidified his elusiveness by moving to LT this year for us. But in the NFL, he is a G-his natural position. He doesn't have the greatest size, but he graded out very well this year and only allowed 3 sacks. He's behind Jean-Giles and pretty even with Lutui in my opinion. Definitely not a 1st round pick, but late 2nd I could see you guys getting him. Do you guys have any extra 3rd round picks? He'll most likely be gone by late 3rd round.
Then yeah, Bucs should draft him with the 2nd round pick, or draft Jean-Giles with the 1st rounder. Up in the air in 2nd whether you draft Lutui or Joseph.
Bucs Eye Davin Joseph
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