The Bucks’ offensive line was one of the best in the NFL in 2024, and every member of the unit played a role in it. But while there’s been a lot of talk about how great Tampa Bay’s tackling is, and even about center Graham Burton’s rookie season, more recognition should be given to the growth that right guard Cody Mauch showed in his second season. Probably.
Mauch, a second-round pick of the Bucks in the 2023 NFL Draft, certainly had some growing pains as a rookie. Of course, he had transitioned from left tackle to right guard when he transferred from North Dakota State to the NFL. Some ups and downs were inevitable, but Tampa Bay showed a lot of faith in him from the jump, and it paid off in 2024.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield and RG Cody Mauch – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“I feel very comfortable now” Mauch told Bucs Total Access In December. “The transition over the last year, especially being a pass pro, you’ve been at left tackle for three years and you’re used to throwing outside hands with your left hand, and now you’re on the right side of the guard and everything is like that. That’s what happened.” Much faster. Last year was really stupid because I knew what I wanted to do and what I needed to do, but my body just wouldn’t do it.
“Ultimately, I worked on it a little bit during the offseason and figured out a few things. The biggest thing is I can throw my hands inside and I can shoot better…Now my body is I’m listening to my head and I’m more confident.”
That offseason work – and improved confidence It shows Mauch has played a key role on Tampa Bay’s offensive line, one of the league’s best offenses, this season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield set career highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage, rookie running back Bucky Irving became the Bucs’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin in 2015, and Mike – Evans reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark, an NFL record. -Tie record for 11 consecutive seasons.
Tristan Wirfs took another step forward in his second year at left tackle, earning both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. The addition of veteran Ben Bredeson strengthens the left guard position, which Tampa Bay needed to improve after Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinney split time in 2023.
Rookie center Graham Burton showed great promise as he handled the change from tackle to center. And right tackle Luke Goedeke put together an impressive second season at right tackle, setting him up for a big payday, possibly this offseason.
But don’t lose sight of Cody Mauch’s huge advance in the shuffle. He just turned 26 last week and is currently gearing up for his third year, with the arrow seemingly pointing upwards. After all, there’s a reason he was named Pewter Report’s Most Improved Offensive Player of the Season.
A closer look at Cody Mauch’s step up in 2024
Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Photo courtesy of USA Today
It’s no exaggeration to say that Pro Football Focus’ scoring system reflects the growing pains Cody Mauch experienced as a rookie in 2023.
He finished with a 43.9 overall rating, 37.6 run block rating, and 52.1 pass block rating. He is credited with allowing 57 pressures, including eight sacks. It also didn’t help that he was flagged five times this year.
There were many moments in Mauch’s first season that he would like to forget. But he learned and developed into a star this season, so it was better not to forget them.
Statistically, the only thing that was really consistent for Mauch from year one to year two was his responsiveness. After playing 1,236 of 1,236 snaps as a rookie, the 6-foot-6, 303-pounder played 1,178 of 1,178 snaps this season.
And when it comes to the rest of his stats and accompanying grades, it really shows the growth and reliability that Mauch was showing week after week on tape.
His overall score of 43.9 in 2023 changed to a mark of 74.6 in 2024. His run blocking rating increased from 37.6 last year to 68.4 this season. And in pass protection, he was an absolute stud. His grade jumped from 52.1 in 2023 to a 77.2 mark in 2024. After allowing 57 pressures and eight sacks as a rookie, those totals have dropped to 19 and two, respectively. This is a huge improvement for No. 69.
Among Tampa Bay’s starting five offensive linemen, Mauch trailed only Wirfs in pass-blocking grade and behind Goedeke in run-blocking grade.
While the Bucs wait to see what the future holds for offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, their young offensive line gives them a great foundation to keep things on track in 2025. And Cody Mauch is now proving he can be a coordinator. A major part of its foundation.
