Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: Offensive Lineman, Tommy Doyle (Miami (OH))

Tommy Doyle is a quiet prospect from a smaller school at Miami (OH). In the past, we’ve seen a number of players from the MAC turn into great players including OT Eric Fisher from Central Michigan to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

TOMMY DOYLE’S COLLEGIATE CAREER

After redshirting his first year at Miami, Doyle played in five games with four starts while missing majority of the season with a foot injury in 2017. The following season, Doyle played in and started 10 games at right tackle. That year he helped Miami rush for 159.8 yards per game.

In 2019, Doyle had his best season of his college career. While playing left tackle, he was named First Team All-MAC and was one of team’s Offensive Power Players of the Year. During his redshirt senior year in 2020, Doyle had another impressive season. While starting at left tackle in just three games due to COVID-19, Doyle was one again named First Team All-MAC.

PRO DAY DATA AND ANALYSIS

At the Miami Pro Day, all 32 NFL teams were in attendance to watch Doyle workout. Doyle measured at 6-foot-8, 320 bunds. He ran 5.12 and a 5.17 40-yard dash. He also did 24 reps on the bench press. Doyle was selected to play in the NFLPA Bowl. He was also invited to the NFL Combine this year which was virtual.

WHAT HE BRINGS IN 2021

Doyle would be a project for the Bucs so there would be a great chance he would use the 2021 season as a redshirt year to learn under a vet like Donovan Smith. His experience at both left and right tackle helps him very much because of how versatile he is. However, with Tristan Wirfs at right tackle, it is very unlikely Doyle would play there in the future. However, with Smith having two years left on his contract, Doyle could be a replacement in the future. It is important for a guy to understand the importance of protecting Tom Brady’s blindside.

With injuries and guys being placed on the COVID-19 list, it could cause Doyle to make an immediate this season. However, that would likely be the only way.

THREE-YEAR OUTLOOK

The Bucs current left tackle, Donovan Smith, signed a contract extension through 2023 this offseason. If the Bucs are to draft Doyle in this years draft, it would likely be for the future to replace Smith. With Wires being last years first round pick, there is no way the Bucs would draft Doyle trying to replace Wirfs in the future.

In 2023, rather than extending Smith again, they could go the cheaper route and make Doyle a starting left tackle where he would still have a few years left on his rookie deal.

It will be important to see how much he develops in his first few years in the NFL. His upside is major and he could turn into a great NFL starting lineman. He already has the size, so it will be interesting to see how his game translates into the NFL.

STOCK REPORT

Doyle is expected to be a day three draft pick and that is not a surprise, however he would be a great pick that late in the draft. He has a ton of potential and it’s a low-risk high-reward pick.

Heading into the draft, Doyle’s speed was being questioned by a few, however he quieted those concerns with his 40-yard dash time at his pro day.

I believe Doyle will be around a pick number 176 for the Buccaneers in the fifth round. Passing on guy with his upside at the point in the draft would be a mistake for the Bucs.

ON THE CLOCK...

So, Bucs Nation, it’s time to hear your thoughts. Would it be worth drafting a tackle in the fifth round if he isn’t going to make an immediate impact? If so, is Tommy Doyle the guy that you want? Let us know what you think by voting in our poll and discussing your thoughts in the comments down below.