NFL DRAFT Links
Round 2: Ali Marpet
Round 4: Kwon Alexander
Round 5: Kenny Bell
Round 6: Kaelin Clay
Round 7: Joey Iosefa
On Friday night, the Buccaneers selected offensive tackle Donovan Smith with the 34th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Shortly after being drafted, Smith, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle from Penn State, spoke with members of the media for about ten minutes.
Smith said that he expects to bring athleticism, among other things, to a Bucs' offensive line that struggled at times last season.
"I joke around with guys in the locker room and everything," Smith said. "I like to think that I could hang with the best of them – D-ends, running backs and so fourth. The key to it is to have nimble feel so I definitely work on that. And you have to be quick. God has blessed me with the size and ability and I'm going to take full advantage of that. I like to say I'm very athletic for my size."
Smith said that he believes he can play every position on the line except center, but the Bucs have spoken to him about playing either right or left tackle.
INFOGRAPHIC: DONOVAN SMITH
"I've heard they want me to play tackle," Smith said. "I've heard left and right so we'll see when I get there."
Regardless of where he plays, Smith will be tasked with protecting Jameis Winston, who the Buccaneers drafted with the No. 1 pick on Thursday night.
"He knows how to win," Smith said. "I'm just ready to match our talents together with the talent that it's the locker room and do what we have to do and win a Super Bowl."
Smith, Winston and the rest of the Buccaneers rookies will be on the field in a matter of days; the Bucs' rookie minicamp begins next week.
