Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Late-round draft targets after Brady and Gronk additions

Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana-Lafayette

Kevin Dotson and his Louisiana-Lafayette teammate Robert Hunt absolutely destroyed opponents in the run game. That is where Dotson hangs his hat. He is a huge and dominating force that can move mountains as a run blocker.

Dotson is very effective when he can fire out of his stance and quickly get his hands on his opponents. Once he gains control at the point of attack it’s game over, as Dotson has incredible lower body drive and finishes his blocks to the ground. While Dotson isn’t the best mover when asked to pull or get out and block in space, he can roll downhill and deliver punishing blows to defenders while opening running lanes.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have let their own Dotson (Demar) walk in free agency this year, and will certainly address their offensive line in the draft this offseason. Most likely they will replace Dotson with a tackle in the first round, but a guard like Dotson later in the draft could compete for the starting gig on a weaker right side of the line.

Tyre Phillips, G/T, Mississippi State

Former Mississippi State and East Mississippi Community College player Tyre Phillips has experience at both guard and tackle. At 6-foot-5, 331 pounds with 35-inch arms, Phillips has the size to play anywhere on the line.

I like Phillips’ potential at right tackle, a position of need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Again, I would guess the team addresses that need much earlier in the draft, making protecting Tom Brady a priority, but could swing back around later in the draft and at least get a solid swing tackle.

Phillips has shown the ability to be technically sound with very strong hands and long arms as a pass protector. In the run game, Phillips is great at using those hands to stand up and turn defenders to open holes.

While he may not start right away, Tyre Phillips has the potential to become a very impressive player at either position in the next level. Given some time to learn and grow, I could see Phillips starting for the team as early as next season, and should provide some valuable, versatile depth early in his career.