Ali Marpet poised to emerge in Buccaneers’ 2020 spotlight

There’s a spotlight on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Partly because of the obvious talent on the roster, mostly because of the arrival of Tom Brady.

Whatever the reason, every Bucs player will be playing under a microscope, and for those who put their best foot forward it’ll quickly put some fan favorites on the national landscape.

One such player could be - or should be - Tampa Bay left guard, Ali Marpet. Since being drafted, Marpet has been the most stable offensive lineman on the team in terms of play, while his position has shifted multiple times.

His consistency has made him a favorite in Bucs Nation, and also led to his being named a player most likely to make it to his first Pro Bowl by The Athletic’s, Greg Auman.

Appearing on the Locked On Bucs Podcast, Auman doubled-down on his projection for a successful 2020 for Marpet, by making him the third “Hidden Hero” nominee of the week.

“I think he’s (Marpet) someone who’s been underappreciated here, and I think the prominence of him blocking in front of Tom Brady is going to help him a lot,” Auman said. The well-respected journalist also gave credit to Monday’s and Tuesday’s nominees (Devin White and Cam Brate) as well, but ultimately went with the quiet giant to gain the largest profit in national attention during the 2020 season.

Auman also commented on the Buccaneers’ 2020 defensive unit featuring every starter from their 2019 version while adding young talent like Antoine Winfield Jr. to the mix as well.

On Monday, Carmen Vitali of Buccaneers.com commented about the potential and creativity she’s expecting from Todd Bowles’ unit in 2020, something Auman also commented on during Wednesday’s episode.

Two more notable guests in and around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization are still coming this week on the Locked On Bucs Podcast, and with them, two more Hidden Hero nominees!

Check back this week, and on Friday, to cast your vote for which Buccaneers player will reveal himself to the football watching public as the next top-shelf player to emerge from Tampa Bay.