The Bucks’ 2023 starting offensive line is starting to take shape as the team wraps up Week 2 of its offseason Phase 2 sessions. That’s when coaches can work with players on the field without helmets and offensive-versus-defensive competitiveness.
But for new offensive coordinator Dave Canales, run game coordinator Harold Goodwin and offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, the Bucks’ vision of a starting five lineman is starting to take shape.
Left tackle Donovan Smith and right guard Shaq Mason are gone. Tampa Bay rookies are veteran guard Matt Failor and rookie lineman Cody Mauk, who will start his Bucks career at guard. The player making the position switch is two-time Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs. He has transitioned from his right tackle to his left tackle, replacing Smith.
Now on the blackboard is the ideal of starting five linemen in Tampa Bay for the 2023 season.
LT Tristan Wirfs – former first round
LG Matt Feiler – new free agent
C Ryan Jensen – Former Free Agent
RG Cody Mauch – New Second Round Player
RT Luke Goedeke – Former Second Round
Bucks coach loves sizing along the offensive line
Bucs OL Matt Feiler – Photo Credit: USA Today
Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales is thrilled with the new additions to the offensive line room this offseason. This year’s version line is bigger – And hopefully the Bucks had the worst-ranked rushing offense in 2023, averaging just 75 yards per game.
Left tackle Tristan Wilfs is 6’5″ 345 lbs, and Matt Failer, a first-time left guard, is 6’6″ 330 lbs. Center Ryan Jensen is 6 feet 4 inches and 319 pounds. 6-foot-5-inch, 302-pound rookie Cody Mauk, 6-foot-1-inch, 300-pound Shaq he will replace Mason.
“I’m thrilled with it,” Canales said. “Adding Matt Failer, Tristan and Matt were side by side on the left side, and three guys next to each other when Jensen was here? That’s pretty impressive.
“And the depth of the players who had to play. You had Hainsey who had to play. You had Nick Leverett who played as a starter. We have so much depth and experience. Luke shoots back with a right tackle.It’s too early to make a decision on what will happen but we’re really encouraged by the guys we have.And of course about Cody Mauch doesn’t mention, but neither does his athleticism and explosive power when he gets there.”
Canales’ offensive attack is characterized by a more balanced attack that requires a commitment to running. That’s the music to the ears of the offensive lineman and the team’s run game his coordinator, Harold Goodwin.
“I’m naturally fat and I like to move the ball,” Goodwin said. “It’s nice to have someone who’s big. Someone who eats up space and looks good getting off the bus,” Goodwin said. “It reminds me of the good old days with Ali and Cap. We were big guys with Ryan and Donnie. We just had big guys who could move the front lines. I’m looking forward to those days again.”
Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke Make Progress with Position Switches
Bucs LG Luke Goedeke – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Tackle performance is key to the Bucks’ revamped offensive line’s success in 2023. Tristan Wirfs has the athleticism to play left tackle In his final year in Iowa, he started three games for that side. Luke Guedeke transitioned from left guard to right tackle and played his two years at Central Michigan in addition to Week 18 in Atlanta.
“Now he’s heading to the right tackle,” Bucks run game coordinator Harold Goodwin said of Gaedeke. “I think Dave said Tristan and Matt were on the left and he’s on the right now. So far so good.
“He felt more comfortable. That’s what he played in college. In the run game off the ball, I’m excited for him.He’s a physical player.Sometimes he worries too much.He just needs to relax and get his goals in pass protection.That Other than that, I’m fine.”
Bucks offensive line coach Joe Gilbert echoed Goodwin’s opinion on his progress on two tackles this offseason.
“Right now I’m putting Luke out for a tackle,” Gilbert said. “It’s like I ended up in Atlanta with him. So far he’s looked really good. He looks comfortable.”
“We have moved Tristan to the left, but so far he has an incredible attitude about it. Ginger, I think it’s been going really well so far, again, it’s muscle memory, he’s done a million 5 reps on the right side and now he’s trying to do the same on the left side. you put him there [at left tackle] And when Matt Failer was at left guard and brought them up [center Ryan] Jensen, it feels good. That’s the way it should be, and that’s for sure. ”
Bucs Interior O-Line Features Matt Feiler Newcomer Cody Mauch
Bucs G Cody Mauch – Photo Credit: USA Today
The Bucks coach is thrilled about the return to action of Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, who has missed the entire regular season due to a serious knee injury. I continue to recover. Offensively staying healthy up front remains important for his line. Especially since the improved ground he’s trying to impose its will on his defensive linemen in the game.
“We have some bodies so we can stay healthy,” said Harold Goodwin, coordinator of the Bucks Run Games. Has a passion for playing.He’s always into trying to hurt someone on the turf.Matt came in and looks great on the turf so far.Luke was always physical. He got better in pass pros.”
Jensen will have new starters on either side of him with veteran Matt Filer penciled in at left guard and rookie Cody Mauk penciled in at right guard.
“Matt has been in this system before in San Diego, so there’s some carryover there,” said Joe Gilbert, the Bucks’ offensive line coach. “He’s strong, he’s athletic. He’s a man of few words, but he has a strong work ethic.”
The Bucs are thrilled with the athleticism and attitude Mauch brings to the offensive line, especially the rush attack.
“You turn on Cody’s tape in college and he’s sitting there eating pancakes and throwing people,” Goodwin said. “It’s really violent, it’s really nasty. You think about the level of competition — and there’s no knock in the leagues he played in, but he goes to watch Senior Bowl practices, he goes to watch Senior Bowl games.” Player and he’s kicking (butt) You’re impressed He’s a dude who can legally play 5 spots.
“He and Ryan next together, with Matt, and next to Luke – Whew! And literally five minutes later I get a text from Ryan, and Ryan says, “Will I like this guy?” Goodwin said. “I said, ‘Yeah.’ So he watched some clips from the draft and said, ‘Me and him and Matt [expletive] Some people stood up. So that’s what excites me.
