Notre Dame football: Buccaneers expert on Robert Hainsey in Year 1
By Brad Weiss
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Notre Dame football lineman Robert Hainsey, and we sat down with a Bucs expert to discuss expectations as a rookie.
During the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame football program saw two of its key offensive linemen selected within a few picks of each other. First, Liam Eichenberg went No. 42 overall to the Miami Dolphins, before Aaron Banks would be selected at No. 48 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Later in the draft, in the fourth round, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came calling for a Notre Dame offensive lineman, drafting Robert Hainsey. In Hainsey, the Buccaneers saw a player that could play all over the line at the next level, taking him despite the fact they have Pro Bowl talent up and down their starting lineup up front.
Recently we sat down with Brandon Thornton, site expert of ThePewterPlank.com, FanSided’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers fansite to discuss Hainsey, and expectations for him in Year.
Notre Dame football star in a great position to grow at the next level
First, Thornton discussed why the Buccaneers drafted him, despite the fact they have so much talent along their offensive line.
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of, if not the best offensive lines in the NFL. All five starters have Pro Bowl to All-Pro potential. That’s especially true with right tackle Tristan Wirfs, who may already be the best right tackle in football after his rookie season. It begs the question, why would the Buccaneers draft a right tackle in Robert Hainsey? In simplest terms: versatility."
Versatility will be key for Hainsey at the next level, and he showed during the draft process that he has what it takes to play on the outside, or in.
"Hainsey flexed his versatility muscles at all three interior line positions during the Senior Bowl that sent his stock soaring. The Bucs don’t need Hainsey to step in right away and contribute, but he’ll have the fortune of learning from five solid starters and all five positions. Should there be injury, Hainsey can be the next man up, wherever that may be."
Injuries are a way of life when it comes to the offensive line, and these guys usually are playing with some kind of injury every week. In Hainsey, the Bucs have found someone they can plug in anywhere, and get him in the fourth round, it may end up being a stroke of genius for the Bucs front office.
"The recent run of Notre Dame linemen in the NFL has been marvelous, and the defending champs may have just found a diamond in the rough for their future."
The Buccaneers are one of the best teams in football and are coming off a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. For Hainsey, he is in a position to possibly win a ring in his first season in the league, and blocking for Tom Brady has to be cool for the young fella as he enters the NFL.
Overall, Hainsey may not see the field as much as a rookie as some of his former Notre Dame football teammates, but he may be in the best situation to succeed long-term. Who knows how long Brady is going to play, but as long as No. 12 is on the field, Hainsey has a great opportunity to win some hardware.
We thank Brandon for taking the time to talk with us. You can follow him on Twitter at @BThornton_33, and follow all his work at thePewterPlank.com.