As a Bucs fan, I can’t wait to see how our team fares in the upcoming NFL Draft. One player who has caught my eye is O’Cyrus Torrence, a guard from the University of Florida. With the Bucs in need of some offensive line help, Torrence could be just the player we need. He possesses impressive strength and athleticism, and has the potential to develop into a dominant force in the NFL. It will be interesting to see if the Bucs make a move for him on draft day.
Introduction
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s important to evaluate the team’s biggest needs and potential targets. One position group that could benefit from an upgrade is the offensive line, specifically the guard position. One player that could fill that void is Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence.
Background
Torrence played his high school football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he was a four-star recruit and considered the No. 9 guard in the 2020 class according to 247Sports. He committed to play at Louisiana-Lafayette but eventually transferred to Florida after playing one season with the Ragin’ Cajuns.
At Florida, Torrence spent most of his time as a backup but did see action in five games during the 2020 season. He played in two games at left guard and three at right guard, helping the Gators offense to finish fourth in the SEC in total yards per game (508.1) and second in passing yards per game (378.4).
Strengths
One of Torrence’s biggest strengths is his size and strength. Standing at 6-foot-5, 332 pounds, he has the physical tools to be a dominant force in the run game. His massive frame allows him to anchor at the point of attack and drive defenders off the ball.
Torrence also possesses good footwork and agility for his size. He’s able to get out in space and make blocks at the second level, which is crucial in today’s NFL where teams run a lot of zone blocking schemes. His athleticism also allows him to recover quickly if he does get beat off the snap.
Weaknesses
One area where Torrence could improve is his technique. At times, he relies too much on his strength and doesn’t use proper hand placement or leverage to win block battles. He also needs to work on his consistency, as there were times when he would look dominant on one play and then struggle on the next.
Another issue Torrence faces is his lack of experience. He only played in five games at the college level, so there’s still a lot of development needed in his game. However, his natural physical gifts give him a high ceiling and make him an intriguing prospect.
Fit with Buccaneers
The Buccaneers could use some depth at the guard position, with Alex Cappa and Aaron Stinnie currently slotted in as starters. Head coach Bruce Arians values physicality in his offensive linemen, which is something Torrence provides in spades.
Torrence could be a project for the Buccaneers, but his size and strength make him an enticing option. He could take a year or two to develop before potentially becoming a starter. Arians has shown in the past that he’s not afraid to give young linemen time to grow, as he did with current starter Ali Marpet.
Conclusion
O’Cyrus Torrence may not be a household name entering the NFL Draft, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor for the Buccaneers. His size and strength give him an advantage in the run game, and his athleticism allows him to make blocks at the second level. While there may be some development needed in his game, Torrence is a high-upside prospect that could pay dividends down the road.
