There is not a more thankless job in the NFL than protecting a quarterback's blind side. The only time a tackle is noticed by casual fans is when he gets beaten by a pass-rusher, allowing a hurry, hit, sack, or worse of his quarterback.
Every win in pass blocking or run blocking is easily dismissed, and every touchdown his team scores is credited to teammates despite his integral role in the success of an offense.
Donovan Smith understands the realities of playing tackle in the NFL more than most. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' tackle was one of the most maligned players in the league last season, despite starting every game for four years running. Fortunately, Smith understands the role critical analysis plays in the sports world, and is using it as fuel to get better as his career continues.
“People have to sit out there and put stuff out there,” he said, per JoeBucsFan. “I mean, whether it is good or bad, whatever is going to hit and mostly it is negative.”
“It is absolutely motivating,” Smith continued. “There is nothing better than proving somebody wrong.”
A free agent this offseason, the former second-round pick actually acquitted himself better in 2018 than most Buccaneers' fans believe, at least according to the numbers.
Pro Football Focus gave Smith an unspectacular 66.4 overall grade last season, one lowered by his subpar blocking numbers. But he fared well protecting the passer, with a 69.9 grade, a strength that could make him highly sought after on the free agent market come March despite his less-than-glowing reputation in Tampa Bay.
Follow Us
Subscribe