The importance of trenches in determining the outcome of NFL games cannot be underestimated. No one knows that better than Jason Licht, the general manager of Bucs.
To win the Super Bowl, there is a strong correlation between the offensive and defensive line success.
Ask the Eagles After they beat the Chiefs 40-22 Roll up the Lombardi Trophy. This was a product that built an offensive lineup, leading to running Saquon Barkley, which covered the 2,000-yard mark. Defensively, they relied on four fronts to plunder quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times, on the way to dominate the game from start to finish.
At the NFL annual meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jason Licht admitted that he was safe to say he spoke to Eagles general manager (and one of his best friends) Howie Roseman before signing external linebacker Harson Reddick. Given Licht’s tendency to draft offensive and defensive linemen at such a high level in recent drafts, it’s no surprise that his comments on Monday afternoon drove that sentiment further.
Bucs LG Ben Bredeson and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo: USA Today
Bucs’ aggressive ring room is “the most important room in a building.”
Bucs I got a bargain This offseason re-signed left guard Ben Bredeson has signed a three-year, $22 million contract. With offensive linemen being paid in 2025, they’re involving Bredeson on some of what other starting-level offensive guards got (see Aaron Banks).
Jason Licht was asked about his move and how he reflects his understanding that the game has been won and lost on players over 300 pounds.
#bucs GM Jason Licht explains why LG Ben Bredeson’s re-signature is “huge” and why the offensive ring room is “the most important room in the building.” pic.twitter.com/ukofibn6pa
– PewterReport March 31, 2025
“Great,” Licht said of Bredeson’s re-signment. “I’ve felt that hundreds of times, but that room is the most important room in the building for everyone. Football, business, everyone is on the line. The job is going well.
When Licht sets out to lead the 12th NFL draft with the Bucs, he makes no secret that he enjoys drafting offensive linemen. He does so in nine of these drafts and has a track record of hitting those selections more than he missed.
This offseason, when Tampa Bay lost swing tackle Justin Squall and center Robert Hainesey, the team signed swing tackle Charlie Heck and re-signed offensive security guard Suaopetta to bolster the room. Despite being one of the best in the league in the starting five, it has not stopped Licht from looking at some offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Good, very good,” Licht said of how he sees the team’s current depth in the offensive ringroom. “I love O Linemen [laughs]. If it’s there, we’re looking at some. It doesn’t take away from what I feel about the people we have now. I feel very good about our offensive line right now. ”
It’s also Jason Licht’s mind to draft another defensive lineman.
Bucs GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Having a good line isn’t just football.
The Tampa Bay Lightning currently has a record of 43-25 as of April 1, winning another postseason later this month.
Why are you growing this?
Because Jason Licht discussed how he wanted to make his line of defensiveness fresh, and when he discussed how he could play in the waves with a little drop-off, he mentioned Lightning head coach John Cooper. The room is led by nose tackle Vita Vea and defensive tackle Calijah Kancyy, but they were able to add another talented player to clog the middle.
“You’ve seen a good team recently, they play in the waves,” Licht said. “You want to keep it fresh, just like you’re watching what John Cooper does with lightning.
The Bucs’ biggest draft needs are key defensive positions, including external linebackers, cornerbacks and inside linebackers. Expect Jason Licht and the front office to meet these needs. But don’t be surprised if your team continues to build the line like the best teams.
