Ben Bredeson Believes Bucs’ Offensive Line Can Improve
March 12th, 2025
Michigan Man speaks.
Last year the Bucs not only had two new starters on the offensive line, it also had a new position coach, Kevin Carberry.
Who knew a year ago that the Bucs would grow into one of the better offensive lines in the game? Now their bringing everyone back, having a year of experience and rookie center Graham Barton no longer a rookie, maybe the line could be better?
That’s what Ben Bredeson believes. The Bucs’ left guard agreed to terms to return. One big reason is he believes line hasn’t maxed out yet.
“It took some gelling,” Bredeson said of learning the ropes with the Bucs last year, with a rookie starting to his right. “Obviously, that’s what the whole training camp is for, OTAs, all that.
“But once we started to find our rhythm, we started clicking pretty well.”
The Michigan Man (all his brothers played either football or baseball for the Wolverines), a native of Wisconsin,spent three seasons before coming to the Bucs with a garbage organization, the Giants. Getting a taste of stability and winning in 2024, Bredeson didn’t seem to be in a rush to leave.
“The group down here, not just the o-line or the team, the front office, organization in general, is just outstanding,” Bredeson said. “I absolutely love it. So I was thrilled to be back.”
Joe is of the mind that yes, barring injuries, the Bucs’ offensive line could be better. Guys were learning each other this time last year, not just Bredeson and Barton finding their footing, but getting used to Bucky Irving’s running style as well.
Now that everyone is starting the offseason on the same page, why couldn’t this line dominate again?
March 12th, 2025 at 10:32 am
The Dream Decade continues….
March 12th, 2025 at 10:34 am
LFG!!!!
March 12th, 2025 at 10:39 am
We should expect improvement.
Wirfs is only entering his 3rd year at LT
Bredeson year 2 with team
Barton year 2 in NFL
Mauch year 3 in NFL
Goedeke year 4 in NFL
It’s a bit insane we have this great of an O-line for as young as they are and for how quick it was rebuilt. Licht has to be #1 O-line drafter in the league.
March 12th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Looks exciting
March 12th, 2025 at 11:44 am
Be smart.
Build depth while you can.
Remember when Jenson went down? So did our season.
Don’t rest on this.
Draft another crazy, nasty linemen this year.
March 12th, 2025 at 11:48 am
What about Sua O …….. he was looking like he was winning the camp competition before the injury ……… i’m assuming you could get him back for a very, very reasonable price and again the familiarity with the system the fact that he has NFL experience and having him and Klein would be great
March 12th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
If Benny boy starts playing better they will improve. He’s the weak link that gets dominated by teams with a solid pass rush. See the Denver game. Ben was awful.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Eckwood Says:
March 12th, 2025 at 11:48 am
He could be back. But there’s no rush.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
It all starts with the Glazers.
We’ve had two distinct eras with the Bucs—The Culverhouse years and the Glazer years—and the contrast between them is clear.
When the Glazers took over, they brought a fresh perspective, a change in culture that was long needed. They have created a solid foundation for long-term success. Their approach through the years has been nothing short of excellent.
There was no more panic, no knee-jerk reactions after a tough season. They set clear goals and stuck to them, knowing that success takes time and patience. There is sort of a dedicated calmness to their approach that shows both loyalty but with expectations. The Glazers weren’t quick to move on from coaches or key players unless it was absolutely necessary. They understood the importance of building something sustainable, not just chasing quick fixes.
With Jason Licht at their key position, they don’t just bring in players and coaches—they brought in the right people to teach, develop, and bring out the best in everyone.
The Bucs continuity has become a winning factor. It seems they value stability, over what the fan base might want. Is that always right? No. But the organization seems to be on a path where we are developing chemistry along all layers of the organization. Whether it was between ownership and coaches, coaches and players, or players and fans, the Glazers are building the right environment – with respect.
When you look at the Bucs now, with those Super Bowl wins in 2003 and 2021 and the sustained competitiveness that followed, it’s clear that the Glazer built something that wasn’t just about one good season—it was about creating an organization that consistently competes at the highest level.
Thank goodness.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Agree with Teacherman
Should draft an OL and DL every year.
It is the Roseman way.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
I already noted before on these boards, late in the season when defenses were able to stop the run early, and stifle our short passing game, we had to go more vertical requiring Baker to sit in the pocket longer, and I have to say our pass blocking was not as good as we thought it was. Everyone was so impressed with Bakers rushing yards, and yet with the exception of a handful opportunities that he took off prematurely, those rushing yards were because the pocket collapsed on him. We need to be better here.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Zoocomics. It seems like our previous OL coaches excelled at pass block but actually ate dirt when it came to run blocking.
Possibly we are getting the opposite with this OL coach. Mostly I have been pleasantly surprised by him. But as time goes on and maybe teams catch up to his and our line tendencies, it will be interesting to see how it shakes out.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
After listening to the latest Ira podcast, trust in Licht. Don’t spend a day 2 pick on O line depth when our defense needs the linebackers and corners. Yes, draft an-o lineman who can play either tackle or guard if needed on day 3. As of now, our o line is under contract for a few years. Drafting an O lineman day 2 would be warming the bench.
March 12th, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Oh dang, I didn’t even realize Bredeson went to Arrowhead… Moreso known for wrestling, I think they have a solid football program down there. Two Wisconsin boys on the line. Very nice. Only non Midwestern boy on the line being Barton, but he’s doing well enough
March 12th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
@geno711…perhaps that’s it. But I think the line was better during that 2020 and 2021 season, replacing Marpet and Jensen is wishful thinking. I think our current line, under Arians style of offense, would have gotten Brady killed and/or it would have looked more like 2022 where our offense took a huge step back after trying to replace our entire interior line. Brady couldn’t go vertical like the offense called for and he was getting rid of the ball at epic pace knowing that he didn’t have the time to sit in the pocket.
Baker makes this line in pass blocking situations look much better than it is. Bucky also helped disguise some weaknesses by ripping off long runs early, moving the chains and resetting the downs. Re-watch the Dallas game, and although Dallas didn’t have a good season, they had enough defensive talent that came ready to sniff out what we did best. 3rd and longs were brutal trying to get to the line to gain.
I do expect our offensive line to be better though. First round rookie center in year 2, everyone with another year under their belt, should be a good year I think.
March 12th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
I expect the line to be better. The C and RG were very young and should get bigger and smarter a year later. Gonna be very exciting.
March 12th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Real interested to see how Klein is doing. He’s built like a center but should play guard as well.
March 12th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
“….they’re* bringing everyone back….” C’mon, Joe! You’re a professional.
March 12th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Whoa, Joe needs to cut back on his bourbon: “ why couldn’t this line dominate again?”. Sure the OL and play calling AND Bucky helped the run game, but Baker was still dodging rushers in the pocket and the run game inside the 10 wasn’t great. Go look at the huge holes Saquon had if you want to see a dominant OL. Bredeson is right, there is room to get better…. I think they can do it. LFG!
March 12th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
A little history lesson here: When Malcolm Glazer bought the Bucs from the Culverhouse estate, there were sniggers and laughs that he got rooked, and paid more than the team was worth. Go look it up. Long suffering fans like me were glad that the Culverhouses were gone. What a curse! It took time but slowly things changed for the better. Rich McKay hired Tony Dungy after several other coaches turned him down flat. One being the iconic NY Giants coach whose name I forget. He didn’t want to be insulted. The Bucs started looking like a for-real team especially on defense. When they got into the playoffs, we central FL fans went nuts. And then came the first SB season. It’s hard to describe how thrilled we were here, and I’m trained in English communication. We’ve gone through the ups and downs since 2001-2, but now the Bucs are a legitimate, well run team. The one personal sadness for me is all my diehard Buc Buddies are dead. They were just as devoted as I am. Go Bucs!
March 12th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
JimBobBuc,
With you on pass protection. A lot to improve on. Hope the standard will look like Detroit. Goff had enough time to drink a beer and eat a meatball sandwich in the pocket last year. Hoping that at last Baker will get the luxury of too much time. We will see.
March 12th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
While I am glad we have bredeson, I wouldnt rule out taking a difference maker bigger dude at guard if draft slot is bpa and have bredeson and klein as backups. I absolutely love our line and the 5th wheel of getting a big stud guard would give the bucs arguably the top oline in the league and envy of all 31 teams for years
March 12th, 2025 at 7:52 pm
That’s why I think this year’s offense could out perform last year’s. They will get a full season of Bucky and hopefully figure out a 3 back rotation. Hopefully the continuity will cut down on turnovers, penalties and mistakes. That happens and this offense will be dangerous.
March 12th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
Hey Joe, I see you guys have already attracted the new batch of clueless wonders on here. $$Whoopie.
March 12th, 2025 at 9:33 pm
Am I the only one who thinks that’s a picture of Robert Hainsey?