One cannot understate the importance the trenches have on dictating the outcomes of NFL games. Nobody knows that better than Bucs general manager Jason Licht.

There is a strong correlation between offensive and defensive line success to winning Super Bowls.

Ask the Eagles after they beat the Chiefs 40-22 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. It was a product of building the offensive line up that led to running back Saquon Barkley eclipsing the 2,000-yard mark. Defensively, they relied on a four-man front to sack quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times en route to dominating the game from start to finish.

Speaking at the NFL Annual Meetings in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jason Licht admitted that it would be fair to say that he spoke with Eagles general manager (and one of his best friends) Howie Roseman before signing outside linebacker Haason Reddick. Given Licht’s propensity for drafting offensive and defensive linemen highly in recent drafts, it’s no surprise his comments on Monday afternoon drove that sentiment home further.

Bucs LG Ben Bredeson and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

The Bucs’ Offensive Line Room Is “The Most Important Room In The Building”

The Bucs got a bargain of a deal this offseason re-signing left guard Ben Bredeson to a three-year, $22 million contract. With what offensive linemen are getting paid in 2025, inking Bredeson for a fraction of what other starting-level offensive guards got (see Aaron Banks) is impressive work.

Jason Licht was asked about that move and how it echoes the understanding that games are won and lost with 300-plus pound players.

“Huge,” Licht said about re-signing Bredeson. “I’ve said it a million times it feels like, but that room is the most important room in the building for everybody. Football side, business side, everybody. Jobs are on the line and when that offensive line is gelling and playing well, we all thrive. He fits in well with them and he’s a great leader, great person, great teammate, and he’s a good player. Very excited to have him back.”

As Licht embarks on spearheading his 12th NFL Draft with the Bucs, he has made it no secret that he enjoys drafting offensive linemen. He has done so in nine of those drafts and has a track record for hitting on those selections more than he has missed.

With Tampa Bay having lost swing tackle Justin Skule and center Robert Hainsey this offseason, the team has signed swing tackle Charlie Heck and re-signed offensive guard Sua Opeta to reinforce the room. Despite the starting five being one of the best in the league, that has not stopped Licht from having his eyes on a few offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Good, very good,” Licht said about how he views the team’s current depth in the offensive line room. “I love O-linemen [laughs]. If there’s one there that — we’ve got our eye on a few. That doesn’t take away from what I feel about the guys that we currently have. I feel very good about our offensive line right now.”

Drafting Another Defensive Lineman Is Also On Jason Licht’s Mind

Bucs GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Having good lines is not just a football thing.

The Tampa Bay Lightning currently have a 43-25 record as of April 1st and are gearing up for another postseason run later this month.

Why do I bring this up?

Because Jason Licht mentioned Lightning head coach Jon Cooper when discussing how he wants to have his defensive line fresh and being able to play in waves with little drop-off. Even though the room is led by nose tackle Vita Vea and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, they could stand to add another talented player to clog up the middle.

“You’ve seen the good teams recently, they play in waves,” Licht said. “You want to keep the guys fresh, like watching what Jon Cooper does with the Lightning. It could be to your advantage to have as many good defensive linemen as possible.”

The Bucs’ biggest draft needs are at key defensive positions, such as outside linebacker, cornerback, and inside linebacker. Expect Jason Licht and the front office to address those needs, but do not be surprised if the team keeps building the lines like the best teams do.