Hunting For A Guard
March 25th, 2024
Who replaces him?
The Bucs may have re-signed all of their valued free agents. But that hardly gives the Bucs the best roster in the NFL.
There are holes all over the place on defense and holes on offense. Surely left guard is up for grabs.
This is why Jenna Laine of ESPN believes the Bucs will possibly be looking for a guard in the draft.
It’s entirely possible [former Eagles guard Sua] Opeta could push for a starting job here. He produced a 90.9% pass block win rate from the guard position last year — 44th in the league among guards with 500 or more snaps at that position. That’s not a staggering number, but it’s an upgrade over what they got out of Aaron Stinnie (88.9%) and Cody Mauch (84.8%) last year, but there’s most certainly room for improvement. Opeta’s far more developed as a run blocker though, with a 76.4% win rate there — ninth in the league among guards with 500 or more snaps and just above Zack Martin — whereas Mauch, who is expected to start on the right side again this next year, had a 72.5% run block win rate and Stinnie was 69.6%. Given that this is one of the better interior offensive classes in a while. Could the Bucs take two interior offensive linemen?
Well, before Joe gets going, right guard Cody Mauch, barring an injury, isn’t going anywhere. There is no way Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht is going to give up on a second-round pick after his rookie year.
Mauch seemed to improve as the season wore on but he hit the rookie wall. In the first half of games in December and January, Mauch was mowing people down. In the second half of the same games, he was out of gas.
Joe is confident after an offseason in an NFL weight room, Mauch will take a step forward.
With Aaron Stinnie gone, there is a hole on the offensive line. And the Bucs signed borderline starters in free agency. So the math suggests a guard will be coming later in April.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:03 am
Surely left tackle is up for grabs???
March 25th, 2024 at 9:03 am
Think you mean LG.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:04 am
possibly?
at this rate I would not be mad if they spent their first 4 picks on OL and edge.
Can we run 6 OL sets now so the situation can have time to sit back and wait for drop it like its hot to get open?
March 25th, 2024 at 9:07 am
Opeta ranking 9th at run blocking seems to indicate he will be our starter…..
I would be happy with a 1st or 2nd round C and a developmental Olineman later.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:08 am
Mauch was atrocious last year. Really hope he steps it up
March 25th, 2024 at 9:12 am
I hope we get a regular guard in the draft this time for once and not a converted tackle project
March 25th, 2024 at 9:34 am
Whatever happens, I just hope they get “THEIR GUY.” I felt like they REALLY ‘dropped the ball’ by missing-out on Linderbaum in ‘22… He was there for the taking. So, I want to see JL be very ‘aggressive’ in THIS Draft, & do whatever it takes to land his guy!!!! Don’t wait around. Quality over Quantity. If you have to give-up one of your 3rd’s… Do as Nike would do. “Just Do It.”
March 25th, 2024 at 9:42 am
LOL Joe is thinking the opposite. There is plenty of film out there of him pile-driving dudes 10 yards down field.
He played well later in the season — in the first half of games. He wore down. Rookie wall. Eagles and Lions in January a bit different than Sam Houston State and Montana in December. 🙂
March 25th, 2024 at 9:44 am
Bredson was signed for over double (3.5 million) what Opeta was (1.4 million) so just by the money it would seem Bredson has the inside track on a starting position.
Bucs could literally draft any IOL like Beebe, Frazier, Van Pran, Haynes, or the favorite JPJ! All those lineman are plug and play caliber football players.
Just grab at least one Oline prospect that doesn’t need at least a year to transition from the tackle position.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:49 am
Edge/C BPA in rds 1-2. Unless 1 of the top 3 Edge drop to the Bucs (doubtful), I would prefer one of the top 3 Centers (JPJ, Barton, Frazier) as I believe all could start on day 1. Edge in the 2nd with Isaac.
G and ILB or Power RB in the 3rd. Pick the other in the 4th. These 5 would go a long way in filling existing holes.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:54 am
First 3 rounds best available RB, rusher, guard in order. Late rounds go fishing. Find a value QB
March 25th, 2024 at 9:55 am
Boss Says:
March 25th, 2024 at 9:04 am
possibly?
at this rate I would not be mad if they spent their first 4 picks on OL and edge.
Can we run 6 OL sets now so the situation can have time to sit back and wait for drop it like its hot to get open?
^^^^^^^^
Mike Evans: From what I know of him…Great player, great teammate, great guy, great Buc.
Boss: Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha, not so much.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:55 am
I can’t wait for the first look at Cody , I expect to see the results of this past offseason diet and weight training. Especially upper body, I forget the name of the guard the Bucs developed and lost a few years ago but he was not physically NFL mature when drafted and looked dramatically different when free agency came knocking.
March 25th, 2024 at 9:57 am
@Bucs Guy
That plan works for me. I think most the fan base in general is in sync on wanting edge & interior OL to be priority in R1-R2.
R3/R4 would be great place to add RB / ILB / WR / CB. It seems like in mock drafts a RB barely even goes in the 2nd round, so a run will likely happen in R3 and we can still get one of the top guys in the class even though that’s like the one position Licht seems to wiff the most on.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:06 am
Draft a starting center in round 2 and move Hainsey to LG.
Have to draft an edge rusher in round 1 without question.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:17 am
SB~LV: Alex Cappa
March 25th, 2024 at 10:21 am
Same excuse when Licht drafts a small school O lineman, he needs a full offseason in the weight room, needs to adjust to the NFL, and his new position, because he was a tackle in college. Don’t they have weight rooms in small college’s? Rare you see an O lineman drafted from Bama, or Georgia that needs a year to get bigger, and stronger. Licht’s best O line pick is Wirfs. Didn’t need to get bigger, and stronger, didn’t need to adjust to a new position. Made a pro bowl right away. Well what about Marpet, he was a small school success? Was he? By the time he made his first pro bowl at LG, years were wasted moving him from RG, to center where he admitted he was bad at, to finally finding his spot at LG, only to retire early. Licht will pass up better talent to move up in a round he don’t have to for a small school project. It’s what he does, but JB fans think he’s a genius at finding small school gems.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:39 am
“Well, before Joe gets going, right guard Cody Mauch, barring an injury, isn’t going anywhere. There is no way Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht is going to give up on a second-round pick after his rookie year.
Mauch seemed to improve as the season wore on but he hit the rookie wall. In the first half of games in December and January, Mauch was mowing people down. In the second half of the same games, he was out of gas.” – Joe
I really like Mauch. I hope he adds more power this off season and better stamina.
I’m a little curious about him playing center if given the chance…but he’ll need to beef up if it comes to that.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:44 am
Hodad Says
“Licht will pass up better talent to move up in a round he don’t have to for a small school project. It’s what he does, but JB fans think he’s a genius at finding small school gems.”
Marpet being shifted around drove me crazy…but I think it’s cool that Licht finds talent in small schools.
As far as the whole weight and power thing for rookies, sure, there are guys who can come in and dominate from the start…but the MAJORITY of rookies at ALL positions need at least a year or two under their belt.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:47 am
The Buccaneers have never once drafted a Center in the first round. It’s time to pull that trigger.
March 25th, 2024 at 10:54 am
testing
March 25th, 2024 at 11:03 am
Joe … ‘There are holes all over the place on defense and holes on offense.’
I’m with you on that one Joe, although I do think that those ‘holes’ will close before Game 1. If I was JL & TB, I’d be looking for new starter-capable replacements at:
1 – Center (to replace Hainsey)
2 – Left Guard (to replace Stinnie)
3 – WR3 (to replace Gage/Moore)
4 – RB2 (to complement R White)
5 – TE2 (to complement Otton)
6 – DE/OLB (to replace Shaq)
7 – MLB (to replace D White)
8 – DT/DE (to replace Gholston)
Some of those can be addressed with Rnds 1-3 in the draft (probably 1, 4, 6, 7), and a couple others can hopefully also be addressed (although probably not be starter material). I suspect Bucs have a couple of guys on the current roster who could win starting roles (Hainsey/Bredeson/Opeta at Left Guard, and possibly Durham at TE2). Wouldn’t be at all surprised though to see JL add a couple more FAs to compete for a couple of starting roles among those 8 slots.
Come September though, I believe that we’ll be fielding a very competitive STARTING roster. It’s DEPTH that we need to build now to compete for the whole enchilada.
March 25th, 2024 at 11:50 am
@ DR
I agree.
I actually wouldn’t mind the Bucs moving back from pick #26 and adding 2 more picks in the top 125.
Then we would be able to fill all those positions you listed 1-8.
March 25th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
If Mauch has hit weight room in offseason, he will be fine. This draft is deep in OG’s. Should be able to find a good one in rounds 3 & 4. Really like Latu at EDGE/OLB or big center from Oregon. To get either of these two would be spectacular. With all the emphasis in this draft on QB’s and WR’s maybe Latu or Oregon guy might be available at 26?
March 25th, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Marine Buc … ‘I actually wouldn’t mind the Bucs moving back from pick #26 and adding 2 more picks in the top 125.’
I have no issue with moving back, as long as we don’t by-pass an obviously great talent in doing so. For instance, if JPJ is still available at Pick #26, we’d better be grabbing him.
March 25th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
@ DR
Every mock draft I see has JPJ going before the Bucs pick @ 26.
But you are correct – if he is still available at #26 then the Bucs should make that pick…
I also doubt there will be any quality edge rushers available at #26.
I noticed a recent uptick in mock drafts having the Bucs taking CB Nate Wiggins at pick #26. I would be OK with that as well. If we can’t rush the passer we better improve the pass coverage abilities.
March 25th, 2024 at 12:38 pm
I see a lot of you have OL in the first. I wouldn’t mind that, but I think first rd will be either: Edge, CB, or if one of the WRs drop to us.
March 25th, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Defense Rules – nice list, but I would re-order it this way to take advantage of positional value and need
1 – DE/OLB (to replace Shaq)
2 – WR3 (to replace Gage/Moore)
3 – Center (to replace Hainsey)
4 – MLB (to replace D White)
5 – TE2 (to complement Otton)
6 – RB2 (to complement R White)
7 – Left Guard (to replace Stinnie)
8 – DT/DE (to replace Gholston)
March 25th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
There isn’t holes all over the defense smh
March 25th, 2024 at 2:11 pm
@ tackleblockwin
If there are not any first round rated OLBs left at pick #26 do you really want the Bucs to reach just to fill a position of need?
Look what happened with JTS…
I would rather pick BPA at – IOL, WR, CB rather than reach for another bust.
March 25th, 2024 at 3:49 pm
We have been hurting for a true dominating LG for a few years. Ever since the departing of Ali Marpet. Tbh a Center also since the past two years we haven’t had Ryan Jensen producing due to injuries. Now we need a true LG and C. The young guys we’ve been drafting in the past few years in the 2nd & 3rd rounds haven’t really impressed me. Nice depth I guess. Probably should’ve kept Alex Cappa and influenced Ali Marpet to stay a few more years, but I mean I get it he was ready to hang it up so very happy for him. I think I would be very much okay with drafting the C out of Oregon. He seems to be a complete pro bowl caliber C. I don’t know if C is our biggest need though at the moment. Lot of needs are going to show the next few years. I’d keep adding onto the defense via draft tbh. Keep getting younger and slowly replace the aging pieces in the coming years while resigning FAs here and there as needed to compete. In two years time LVD
& Mike Evans are goners.
Lot of key pieces will be needed! As of now though it’s:
CB1
OLB1
DE1
LG
C
Think this defense and team officially belongs to Antoine Winfield.
So again I suggest grabbing two starters for defense this draft class. Find some hidden gems (fillers) along the way. Pass rusher and a fast long CB or Big fast strong athletic DL.
I’d love to add both D. Robinson’s to the team.
March 25th, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Joe Tryon he could have a breakout year finally. I would not rule that out his potential is there we all can see it. I just don’t know if he is able to put it all together. He needs to figure it out. He’s not far from where he needs to be. He could be a Hassan Reddick type talent. Like 10-11sacks a year guy if he can just be consistent. Unfortunately for him even with a big season he probably won’t be back. He’s not produced much in his time in Tampa to earn a new contract imo.
He’s listed as the full time starter right now on the depth chart so I mean maybe he can get it done finally in Tampa Bay. I think a lot of people and teams are going to be kinda shocked by how talented and young this group in Tampa is and has been with a lot of changes happening. It’s been a fast paced rebuild while playoffs and winning division it’s been kinda weird lol
March 25th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Mauch hit the rookie wall.
He will be fine after this offseason.
Small school OLINE Licht finds like Marpet, Cappa, and Goedeke all were much improved after their first year and an offseason to bulk up.
Small schools don’t have the facilities and staff like an SEC or Power 5 school has.
Alabama has a hyperbaric chamber room, cryogenic room, ice bath whirlpool room, a full PT room with board certified PT’s and assistants, chiropractors, board certified doctors and nurse practitioners, 24/7 kitchen with professional chefs and nutritionists who have developed a food plan for each athlete, board certified exercise kinesiologists and their assistants, cameras that monitor the athletes as they are performing their workouts and iPads with instant verbal correction on how they are doing a rep, a weight room that makes any commercial gym look like child’s play, etc.
It’s why SEC and power 5 conference school football players have an extreme advantage over other schools, especially small schools.
The Bucs must replace Hainsey and our LG in this draft.
C = JPJ, Barton, Frazier or my favorite in Georgia’s 3 year starter and 2 time national champion Van Pran.
I would also love to get a back like the Noles Benson.
March 25th, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Mauch hit the rookie wall.
He will be fine after this offseason.
Small school OLINE Licht finds like Marpet, Cappa, and Goedeke all were much improved after their first year and an offseason to bulk up.
Small schools don’t have the facilities and staff like an SEC or Power 5 school has.
Alabama has a hyperbaric chamber room, cryogenic room, ice bath whirlpool room, a full PT room with board certified PT’s and assistants, chiropractors, board certified doctors and nurse practitioners, 24/7 kitchen with professional chefs and nutritionists who have developed a food plan for each athlete, board certified exercise kinesiologists and their assistants, cameras that monitor the athletes as they are performing their workouts and iPads with instant verbal correction on how they are doing a rep, a weight room that makes any commercial gym look like child’s play, etc.
It’s why SEC and power 5 conference school football players have an extreme advantage over other schools, especially small schools.
The Bucs must replace Hainsey and our LG in this draft.
C = JPJ, Barton, Frazier or my favorite in Georgia’s 3 year starter and 2 time national champion Van Pran.
I would also love to get a back like the Noles Benson.
March 25th, 2024 at 5:20 pm
@marine
Yes I agree with you. If no good edges, I’ll take a good CB. However I think we can find oline later in draft this year. If one of the stud OL is there, sure that would be wonderful, but we probably need to move up to get one. I have a feeling the 1st rd of draft is going to be pretty crazy.
March 25th, 2024 at 5:55 pm
Mauch improved greatly as the year went along – but as Joe said he seemed to hit a rookie wall at the very end of the season. I think he’ll look quite good this year as I expect him to show-up to camp looking a lot stronger. Last year he knew what he was supposed to be doing, was in the right places for the most part, but was physically just not strong enough to move guys. But the reason Licht drafts college tackles, is he wants guys who have huge frames and can put on a lot of muscle. Last year, Cody looked flat out small at times – and he’s 6’5 300lbs. At that size, and looking fairly small, it means he should be able to easily put on 30lbs or more. Will be interesting to see how he shows up at camp.
March 25th, 2024 at 7:21 pm
Hope Mauch improves, get a real center, and see if Hainsey can play LG. Love the QBs, WRs, OTs, and safeties. Can’t wait for the draft!
March 25th, 2024 at 8:06 pm
I am not sold on Mauch, he was getting pushed around a lot and is not a good run blocker. Don’t think he has much lower body strength and doesn’t move well. We need a big road grader at his position. As I recall I think he graded out pretty low last year with 7 sacks allowed and 5 penalties. Why Jason drafted this guy in the second round is beyond me. We need a big SEC guard. O line needs to improve drastically if the Bucs want to go back to the SB.
March 25th, 2024 at 8:14 pm
Buc4evr – Licht track record with offensive lineman is exceptional. Also Cody was getting pushed around, that’s the downside of getting a small school player, they generally need a year to develop physically. As for movement – maybe early in the year when he was still learning how to play guard, but I didn’t see any issues with him moving late in the year. Sure he might get beat a play here or there, but that literally happens to everyone. Overall Cody showed plenty, and will be a good player.
People already saying he needs to be replaced are the same people calling Cappa a bust after his rookie year, and calling Luke a bust after his first year.
You should just look back at how guys develop and what you want to see from a guy playing a new position in his rookie year, and you’ll see Cody is right on track. But I do agree he must come to camp having put on weight and being a lot stronger, but as stated above, he’s a 6′ 5″ who is pretty lean for a offensive lineman, so he easily has the frame to put on a lot of weight and muscle.
March 25th, 2024 at 8:52 pm
I would imagine it quite difficult to transition from LT at NDSU to RG in the NFL. With that said I think we will se a big jump from the toothless ginger this next season. He’s a cornfed farmer he’s got the strength and size.
March 26th, 2024 at 12:54 am
The guard they are looking for is Graham Barton.
March 26th, 2024 at 2:50 am
Hainsey can’t run block!
Cut him!
March 26th, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Hey Joe…Please look up Ryan Coll, OL coming out this year. He is not D1 guy, but 6’5″, 325 and ran a 40 at the Pro day that would have been 2nd fastest at the combine. 25 reps on the bench, a Beast! Seems like a great UFA to be had, also I work with his Dad =)