There has been plenty of excitement about the Bucs 2024 draft class. Much of that excitement stems from the team’s investment in the offensive line.

First-round pick Graham Barton is getting a shot to become the team’s starting center. But Tampa Bay also drafted little-known guard Elijah Klein out of the University of Texas El Paso in the sixth round.

Immediately after his selection, Klein received high praise from some of the best offensive line evaluators in the public space such as Duke Manyweather and Brandon Thorn.

DRAFT SLEEPER:

Elijah Klein- UTEP

— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) April 16, 2024

With the struggles Tampa Bay experienced at left guard last season it has had some fans calling for Klein to be given the opportunity to start right away. But putting him into the starting lineup is most likely not the best route for the offense/offensive line in 2024 – or for his development.

There is a reason Manyweather and Thorn liked the pick in the sixth round. But had Tampa Bay selected him on Day 1 or early Day 2, where players who are projected to start are selected, many would not have been as thrilled with the pick. And that’s because he will need some time to work on different aspects of his game before he is ready to be relied on.

Elijah Klein’s Strengths On Tape

While he did not test well by most typical measurements, Elijah Klein moved surprisingly well in agility drills.

Elijah Klein was drafted in round 6 pick 220 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 5.60 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 697 out of 1583 OG from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/VqH14xktcj pic.twitter.com/REVQCFea2o

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2024

Bucs G Elijah Klein – Photo courtesy of UTEP

The big, barrel-chested lineman glides when moving laterally which has me maintaining he has some kind of background in dancing. You can see it on the below clip as he shuffles behind the rest of the line on a pull. It’s not a typical lineman’s drop, turn and run. He effortlessly slides in the opposite direction of the rest of the line while keeping his frame directed at the defense.

I am sure the team also fell in love with Klein’s mentality and tenacity. One good indicator of those qualities is what a lineman does when he does not end up with a primary blocking assignment. Well he wants to find someone…anyone to push down.

New Bucs OG Elijah Klein constantly wants to find someone to block/hit. pic.twitter.com/mLKSrHgiCQ

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) May 11, 2024

Finally, Klein has shown that his large frame comes with real play strength as he can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone from a play strength standpoint.

Klein working the 3t backwards. pic.twitter.com/F4Sq1v0OmO

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) May 11, 2024

The whole of those strengths is a strong run blocker who moves well, has the right mentality, and can hold up at the point of attack against the strongest of opponents and it does give the idea that he can jump in and make immediate contributions. But there are limitations to his game currently that will get exploited in the pro’s.

Bucs Will Need To Work With Elijah Klein On His Pass Pro

Bucs G Elijah Klein – Photo courtesy of UTEP

There are still a lot of things to work on as Elijah Klein makes the jump from Conference USA to the NFL. Despite his impressive 93.5 pass block grade from Pro Football Focus last year, he will need to improve as a pass blocker. This includes cutting off quicker pass rushers from crossing his face as easily. This was one area that got him into the most trouble as it would leave him often chasing defenders who have already found a line to the quarterback.

Similarly, he wasn’t the most adept at picking up loopers on stunts. He will need to work with Tampa Bay’s offensive coaches to better identify these defensive games so he can better cover the gaps those loopers are trying to exploit.

Lastly, the Bucs will need to work with Klein on being more consistent coming out of his stance on pass sets. There are snaps where he pops out quickly and can surprise defenders by getting into their chests quickly. But there are other snaps where he can be more delayed on his initial pop allowing the inverse to happen.

These are all areas that will require time and repetitions to improve. And until Klein and his coaches put in that time and those repetitions, putting him on the field right away would make for a steep and painful learning curve.