The Bucs got their second day of the 2023 NFL Draft underway by trading up two spots in the second round, jumping from No. 50 to No. 48 to select versatile North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch. In addition to swapping second-round picks with the Packers, Tampa Bay also sent a sixth-round pick (No. 179) back in the trade-up.

Mauch, a 6-foot-5, 302-pounder, played tackle for the Bison, but he projects as someone who will kick inside to guard at the NFL level. The Bucs have needs at both tackle and guard, so time will tell where he’ll slot in for Tampa Bay.

“A hockey player on turf” is what one NFL analyst made of Mauch’s looks. A favorite of fans and evaluators alike this draft cycle, the 24-year-old is missing his two front teeth and has long red hair, similar to Bucs center Ryan Jensen and tight end Ko Kieft. His appearance matches who he is on the turf: a tough player.

North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch Photo By: USA Today

He has a unique background, having grown up on a farm in North Dakota. He walked on to North Dakota State and, after gaining weight, moved to the offensive line. Previously a tight end in high school and entering college, Mauch has plenty of athleticism and uses his quick feet to shut down edge rushers. It is easy to spot his attacking play on the field getting to the second level, which he seemingly enjoys as he bowls over anyone in his way.

Cody Mauch is a small-school, long-haired ginger who is a mauler in the run game. He moves extremely well and should serve as a great fit for new offensive coordinator Dave Canales’ system. At the same time, he really needs work in pass protection. He has an inconsistent punch and tends to get off balance and lunge too often.

Mauch’s tenacity and effort as a blocker jumps off the tape and he fits the physical style of play the Bucs like in offensive linemen. Tampa Bay had success drafting Alex Cappa in the third round years ago, and Mauch could be a developmental guy in the same vein. The Bucs are no strangers to drafting small-school offensive linemen (Ali Marpet, Cappa) and long-haired offensive linemen (Cappa) in addition to favoring red-headed gingers (Jensen, Kieft). Mauch appears to be someone who will fit right in with this locker room.

Cody Mauch Adds To Bucs’ Crowded Offensive Line Situation

North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch Photo By: USA Today

The Bucs have seen a lot of turnover with their offensive line this offseason. They released longtime left tackle Donovan Smith and traded right guard Shaq Mason. Those moves signaled a big change for the Tampa Bay front, which will look much different in 2023. What will it look like, though? Only time will tell.

Given the fact that they passed on a left tackle on Day 1 of the NFL Draft, the Bucs appear content with the idea of moving All-Pro Tristan Wirfs from right tackle to left tackle. Wirfs has already been preparing to make the switch, and he has the size, athleticism and mentality to make the transition flawlessly.

So, with Wirfs seemingly destined for the left tackle spot and Ryan Jensen locked in at center, it’s the other three spots that are up for grabs. Where Cody Mauch steps in will be an interesting thread to follow throughout the summer and into training camp.

Perhaps he’ll get a shot to compete with 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke for the right tackle job. If Mauch wins that role and proves capable of playing tackle at the next level despite his arm length, Goedeke would mix it up as an option at one of the open guard spots. Obviously, Goedeke winning the job at right tackle would mean Mauch as a potential fit at guard.

Nick Leverett, Robert Hainsey, Aaron Stinnie and Matt Feiler are others who are in contention for those guard spots, with Leverett being a potential favorite given the way he played when stepping in for Goedeke at left guard last year. Given his draft status, though, Mauch may figure into the Bucs’ plans at guard if he isn’t going to play right tackle.

Whichever position the Bucs like best for Mauch, it’s clear that they value versatility. The North Dakota State product has it, as does Goedeke, Feiler, Hainsey and Brandon Walton. That gives Tampa Bay’s coaches a chance to piece together its new-look offensive line as they see fit in 2023.