Buccaneers training camp Practice for the 2024 season began last Wednesday, with the first pads being fitted at Monday’s practice. The Bucs have been practicing in front of fans all summer with shoulder pads and helmets on, so this will be the first look at the full roster. The increased physicality of the pads will give us a glimpse into what Tampa Bay’s offensive line will look like with the many new additions they made during the offseason.
While some could argue that the interior of the offensive line underwent the most significant changes in the offseason, it wasn’t the only position to undergo change. Tampa Bay added several new faces to the secondary, including Jordan Whitehead returning to Tampa Bay at safety, Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas at cornerback, and Zion McCollum moving into the starting lineup in place of Carlton Davis III. The situation It seems like you can understand it quicker.
But soccer is a sport where victory or defeat is often decided up front, so it all starts there.
Why the Buccaneers offensive line is a big story
![What position is the Buccaneers' biggest concern? Buccaneers C Graham Burton](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Barton-Graham-Bucs-mini-camp-ball-head-on-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers C Graham Barton – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
There may be more to Tampa Bay’s success or failure on the offensive line than just the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield. In a piece on the team heading into 2024, NFL.com’s Bobby Kownak highlighted the following: The importance of all the changes that happen inside the line The team is looking to improve.
This was Kounak’s commentary on it.
“There will be new starters at two of the three interior spots on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke and guard Cody Mauch will protect the right wing, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs will be performing at an All-Pro level. But, more to the point, he’s seeking a contract extension.”
“The Buccaneers are handing snapping duties to rookie center Graham Burton, who will be the first pick in the 2024 draft. At right guard, Todd Bowles has already promised a “great battle” between Ben Bredeson and Su’a Opeta.”
![What position is the Buccaneers' biggest concern? Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke and RG Cody Mouch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mauch-Cody-Luke-Goedeke-Bucs-Colts-pewter-300x200.jpg)
![What position is the Buccaneers' biggest concern? Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke and RG Cody Mouch](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mauch-Cody-Luke-Goedeke-Bucs-Colts-pewter-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke and RG Cody Mauch – Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucks benefited greatly from Goedeke moving back to his natural position at right tackle last season, and the expectation is that Mauch will continue to develop as he takes over from Goedeke at right guard.
Even if that were to happen, there are still two big holes to fill at center and left guard. Tampa Bay has two new starters on the interior of the offensive line, adding left guard over Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinney and preparing Barton, the team’s first-round draft pick, to replace center Robert Hainsey will be the most important priorities in the Buccaneers’ training camp over the next few weeks.
Mauk played every game as a rookie at right guard last year and had ups and downs throughout the season. Would it be the same with Barton at center? Of course, Barton is a first-round draft pick for a reason, so the expectation is that he will be able to make the transition more quickly during his rookie season.
How much can the offensive line improve?
But the biggest question mark will be at the left guard position with Ben Bredeson and Su’a Opeta, two players with starting experience who have been swapped out or served as backups frequently throughout their NFL careers. Are they really better than what Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinney provided last season? Or are we convincing ourselves that because we have a new left guard, we’re automatically better?
![What position is the Buccaneers' biggest concern? Buccaneers G Elijah Klein](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Klein-Elijah-Bucs-mini-camp-smile-300x200.jpg)
![What position is the Buccaneers' biggest concern? Buccaneers G Elijah Klein](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Klein-Elijah-Bucs-mini-camp-smile-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers G Elijah Cline – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Veteran Robert Hainsey should also slot in at left guard, at worst continuing to play center behind Barton. At best, the Buccaneers have a player who has been a starter the past two seasons and has good chemistry with the rest of the offensive line. Of the two rookies, Hainsey may end up being the better option.
Another dark horse worth keeping an eye on is sixth-round rookie Elijah Klein. Klein, who plays college basketball at UTEP, comes from a team that primarily plays the run attack. He’ll need to work on his pass blocking during camp, but for a Bucs team that’s ranked last in rushing the past two seasons, having a rookie with a clear strength in that area isn’t such a bad thing.
There are a number of positions where the Buccaneers need to improve from this season in order to advance further in the playoffs, and Tampa Bay’s offensive line could be the group that holds the keys to leading this team to a whole new level of success in 2024.