J.R. Sweezy expects to play left guard for Buccaneers

As far as J.R. Sweezy knows, he'll be lining up at left guard. That's what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman just said in his first press conference for his new team.

There had been some speculation about Sweezy's role with the team. At first, it seemed like he might compete with Kevin Pamphile at left guard -- but the size of his contract made it obvious that he was brought in to start. The next theory to surface was that he'd play right guard, which is where he played his entire offensive line career, and the Bucs would move second-year player to left guard. Apparently that's not happening either.

Moving Sweezy to left guard helps maintain continuity on the offensive line, with every other player keeping his place as Sweezy replaces the retired Logan Mankins. It will also keep a veteran next to Donovan Smith, who was inconsistent as a rookie last year. With Joe Hawley at center and Demar Dotson presumably at right tackle, though that could change, Ali Marpet would also be surrounded by veterans. That's always positive for young players.