There’s been a lot of talk about the Bucs’ offensive line this offseason. Going in, there’s hope to get Tristan Wirfs a contract extension, while the additions of two new interior linemen have given a fresh outlook to the group. The one lineman that hasn’t been discussed much is starting right guard Cody Mauch, who is heading into his second season. And he could be the important link that catapults the line forward this year.

Cody Mauch had a solid year as a rookie as he got into the NFL. He started all 17 regular season games and two playoff matchups and has gained a great deal of experience. It’s fair to say that Cody Mauch shared a much better rookie year than Luke Goedeke did the year before at guard, though Goedeke was then moved to right tackle and had tremendous results. Cody Mauch’s PFF grades of 52.2 in pass blocking, 39.1 in run blocking and 44.7 overall don’t necessarily paint the whole picture, but it does show that there’s room for improvement.

Expectations For Cody Mauch

Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Last season, Tampa Bay had their fingers crossed that the offensive line could function with a rookie in Cody Mauch at guard and Goedeke being more comfortable in his natural position at tackle. The move for Goedeke paid off huge dividends for him and the Bucs as he did a fantastic job on the right side and solidified the tackle positions on both ends.

The Bucs are hoping that Mauch, who will have the benefit of staying at the same spot at right guard, can take a similar leap in his second year like Goedeke did. This would make the Bucs’ offensive line a daunting front as they attempt to improve their run game.

Todd Bowles echoed the sentiments that there’s high expectations for Mauch in year two. He spoke about his season at the NFL annual meetings.

“I think with the experience he got in year one, he’ll be a lot better. I thought he was very smart, played very tough last year, I think he hit a rookie wall at some point with the grind and his better. I think he knows how to prepare physically right now, he’ll be a little more stouter, a little more heavier. He’s a good football player, he’s a very good football player. We (expect) Cody to be very, very good this year.”

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

Goedeke An Unsung Hero

Bowles also heaped tons of praise for Goedeke. His improvement helped take a questionable offensive line to a higher level.

“Luke had a very good year moving from guard to tackle. I thought he was one of our unsung hero’s right there. He didn’t give up a lot of sacks. He played tough, he played confident playing out on the edge. Him and Tristan worked out all year, I thought he was a pleasant surprise, I looked forward to him getting better.”

With Wirfs and Goedeke holding it down at tackle, the Bucs are likely to upgrade at center over Robert Hainsey. With an expected improvement over at left guard, having Mauch take a step forward at right guard can really upgrade the whole unit this upcoming season.