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Upgrades spark optimism for Bucs' offensive line

 
Rookie offensive tackle Donovan Smith is expected to be a regular on the line protecting QB Jameis Winston. “Mr. Smith, now, he’s a big athlete,” says line coach George Warhop.
Rookie offensive tackle Donovan Smith is expected to be a regular on the line protecting QB Jameis Winston. “Mr. Smith, now, he’s a big athlete,” says line coach George Warhop.
Published Aug. 15, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS

Bucs offensive line coach George Warhop finished the question:

How hard was it …

"To go through that (expletive) last year?" Warhop said. "We didn't do our part. There are a lot of parts that need to be done, and we didn't do our part. Simple as that. We've got to do a better job."

Warhop knew there had to be changes to the line after the Bucs finished 29th in the league in rushing (averaging 85.9 yards per game) and 25th in passing (209 yards per game) in 2014. That's why he grinded all offseason, obsessing on ways to get better.

The Bucs released free agent LT Anthony Collins. They hired Butch Barry as assistant offensive line coach from Central Michigan. Then they secured more talent through the draft.

Warhop knew the Bucs would use the first overall pick on a quarterback. So he focused on players they could get in the second round. By the time the scouting process and workouts ended, Penn State LT Donovan Smith and Hobart College G Ali Marpet were his guys.

"I think the group we have here, the mind-set is much different," Warhop said. "The work ethic is much different. … It's a physical group. They have some pride, and the pride is growing. All of them. From the least guy to the best guy, we have a good group of guys."

Warhop has been pleased with Smith and Marpet, but preseason games will be critical experience for them.

"They both have all the physical tools," Warhop said. "Ali's biggest thing is where he's coming from (a Division III school), so he just needs time on task. Mr. Smith, now, he's a big athlete. It's just getting used to the grind and expectations of being a starter."

Warhop said he first scouted Marpet at the Senior Bowl in January at Mobile, Ala. The Bucs watched him transition from tackle to guard in the game, and he held his own against Division I talent.

"You're thinking, 'Here's this kid from Hobart? Where … is Hobart?' " Warhop said. "But those guys from the big schools, they weren't beating him. Then you watched the game, and he played as well as anybody."

Coach Lovie Smith says as much attention as QB Jameis Winston gets, the line may determine the team's success.

"They are the enforcers," he said. "First you talk about being a physical team. It starts up front with the line with everything we do."

MONEY BALL: Every time you say it's a game, they say it's a business. Perhaps that's why the Bucs felt the need to bring in another punter in Karl Schmitz.

Michael Koenen is set to earn $3.25 million this season. But his production didn't match the pay last season. Suffering an illness that made him feel fatigued, Koenen was 19th in the NFL with a 40.4 average and a 37.1 net average. Schmitz may be given every chance to earn the job.

"Our punting hasn't been what it needs to be, so we will continue to look at different guys," Smith said. "At the same time, Mike has done some good things for us. "

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KEEP AN EYE ON: The tight ends. All are pretty good — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tim Wright, Brandon Myers and Luke Stocker. Wright has done some nice things as a pass catcher, but the Bucs have traded him once. Myers didn't get enough chances to catch passes last year. Stocker has morphed into a hybrid TE/FB. If all stay healthy, Wright or Myers may have the most trade value.