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Bucs OC Koetter pleased with OL rookies Smith, Marpet

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ two rookie offensive linemen — LT Donovan Smith and RG Ali Marpet — played at least as well as expected during the first quarter of the season, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said.

“I would say Donovan is right on schedule, and Ali is probably ahead of schedule,” Koetter said. “Those two guys are going to be good football players for years to come.”

Smith attributes his solid play in part to the help he receives during games from 11-year veteran LG Logan Mankins.

“There’s a lot of things that he sees before I can, and he communicates that to me,” Smith said.