While it appears that Bucs rookie Luke Goedeke has secured the starting left guard spot, that’s not the case yet. The second-round pick certainly has the upper hand, but there hasn’t been a final selection. As head coach Todd Bowles told the media on Thursday, the decision is still something they’re looking at. And Saturday’s game could go a long way to determine who will be the starter when Tampa Bay opens the 2022 season in Dallas on Sept. 11.

Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert echoed Bowles’ sentiment, but he said he has been impressed with Goedeke’s growth throughout training camp.

“At this point, there still hasn’t been a decision made really on which way,” Gilbert said. “But Goedeke has been taking more reps with the ones for sure, and he’s progressed pretty good through camp.”

After only receiving second-team reps throughout the first three weeks of training camp, Goedeke finally saw time with the first unit during joint practices against the Titans. He wound up starting the preseason tilt in Tennessee last Saturday and had some good and some bad plays. Despite the mixed bag, you can see the arrow pointing up for the rookie out of Central Michigan.

Opportunity Not Too Big For The Bucs Rookie

For Goedeke, the opportunity isn’t lost on him. His main focus is just continuing to improve day in and day out and build the communication with his linemates and quarterback Tom Brady.

“I’m just blessed with the opportunity, just trying to get better and better every day and really fill that role at left guard or wherever they see me fit,” Goedeke said. “Just trying to build that communication with the starting O-line and trying to get the feel of Tom’s cadence and everything.”

It hasn’t been an easy transition for the former right tackle. Moving from a smaller school and conference to the NFL has been one obstacle. But a move from the right side of the line to the left and into the interior has presented some roadblocks he’s had to navigate. But he feels like it’s coming along well and will only get better with repetition.

Fending Off The Competition

Now is not the time for Goedeke to rest on his laurels, however. Third-year pro Nick Leverett is still very much in the competition to start, and he’s not going to go down without a fight. Leverett started the first preseason game and has seen his fair share of snaps at the position as well.

Bucs QB Kyle Trask and C Nick Leverett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Though to a lesser extent, he also found himself entrenched in a battle for the starting center job early on in camp. Robert Hainsey has proven to be the starter in the absence of Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, but Leverett will provide valuable depth wherever he’s needed. Learning from his mistakes and getting better everyday is where his focus is, regardless of which position he’s playing.

“Honestly, just focusing on wherever my coach puts me in, whether that’s center or guard,” Leverett said. “Of course, learning from my mistakes in the game. Just trying to collect them and correct them and be a better player overall. That’s been my biggest thing, just trying to perfect my craft at whichever position I’m playing.”

Communication Is Key

As has been alluded to throughout the offseason and camp, communication with their fellow linemates, especially Donovan Smith and Robert Hainsey, will be the key to securing the starting left guard job.

“It’s been great,” Goedeke said. “Robert [Hainsey] is one of the smartest guys I’ve probably ever been around football-wise. I mean, the fact that he was only a rookie last year is pretty incredible for the knowledge he has. Next to Donnie [Donovan Smith] has been great as well. He’s a great leader out there, just helping me out. Him and Rob have both helped me out transitioning to left guard position, and I look forward to continuing that communication and just getting better and better each day.”

Bucs Cs Nick Leverett and Robert Hainsey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Building that trust between Smith and Hainsey is pivotal for each player competing for that spot, and Leverett thinks it’s been going well in camp. Though his experience at center also may give him an extra edge, as he knows all the calls and can communicate them easier to Smith.

“It’s definitely coming along good,” Leverett said. “You got Hainsey that knows the playbook, I know the playbook. It’s easier playing left guard when you’re also at center because you know everything. So, it’s been going pretty good.”

Both Goedeke and Leverett bring different playing styles to the line, but are also similar in their tenacity, toughness and football IQ. It’s something the Bucs veteran left tackle has noticed quickly about the two competitors.

“I mean, they’re both their own player,” Smith said. “They both bring tenacity and fierceness to the crew for sure. They’re both very smart, very vocal, just two guys out there doing their job, and it’s beneficial to us. They both know what they’re talking about and know what they’re doing, so it only helps us.”

Hainsey, who will be lined up to the right of them, echoed Smith’s thoughts.

“They’re both really good at what they do, and they both work incredibly hard at their jobs,” Hainsey said.

Showing Out On Saturday

The Bucs’ Saturday night preseason game against the Colts marks the last day to really make a mark on the competition. With the season opener against Dallas just two weeks away, naming a starter and building real continuity along the line will be important. And even though both Leverett and and Goedeke are competing against each other, the main focus is on their own play and honing in on what they need to do to win the job.

“Just focus on me,” Leverett said. “Not worry about everything else going on around me. Not worrying about battling anyone for a starting spot. Just worry about being the best player I can possibly be. Hone in on the details and just competing my ass off against myself. That’s the biggest thing.”

Bucs LG Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Goedeke has earned the chance to run with the starters and needs to make the most of his opportunity. Part of that is showing the Bucs they can trust him at the position in both phases of the offense.

“I’m looking to just hone in on my technique and really prove I can be a trustworthy player,” Goedeke said. “Whether that’s in the run game or pass game.”

As has been preached all offseason, chemistry and communication is going to be one of the biggest determining factors in this competition. Ultimately, the tape will tell the tale and help the coaches make the final decision as to who will be the Bucs’ starting left guard in Week 1. And if Bowles is to believed, it’s a lot closer than we think.

“We’re fairly close,” Bowles said. “It’s awfully close. We’ll see what the game looks like and we’ll see what the chemistry is when we watch the film.”