When the Bucs drafted offensive lineman Elijah Klein in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, most pegged him to be a backup offensive guard. That projection was for good reason, as Klein spent the majority of his collegiate career for the UTEP Miners at right guard.

Since being taken by Tampa Bay, though, he has learned the tools of the trade in what it takes to be a versatile player in the trenches. Klein spent last offseason playing across the offensive line, including getting valuable snaps at right tackle that preseason in Jacksonville in an emergency situation.

This offseason has been much of the same for him, and he has gained extended experience at center, manning the pivot spot during the preseason opener against the Titans.

After the game, Klein and head coach Todd Bowles shared how that went and how he has developed into a valuable member of the room.

Elijah Klein Is “Going To Be A Tough Guy To Deal With”

If Todd Bowles had to provide a one-word scouting report on Elijah Klein, the answer is obvious.

Tough.

Bucs OL Elijah Klein – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Discussing how Klein held his own after the Bucs beat the Titans 29-7 in Week 1 of the preseason, Bowles repeatedly used that word to discuss his playstyle and where the 25-year-old goes from here.

“Elijah is tough, and he’s tough mentally,” Bowles said. “His whole thing is getting technique and fundamentals down. If he can keep his contact balance, he’s going to be a tough guy to deal with. Going back from guard and center swaps, he’s a tough player. He came back and kind of changed his body and really came back in shape. We’re just looking for him to clean up the little things.”

Bowles initially commented on Klein’s body transformation on the second day of training camp. Since coming to Tampa Bay, he has noticeably slimmed down but remains a powerful player. That has added to his ability to bounce around where needed, and he is more than happy to do so.

After the team lost backup center Robert Hainsey to the Jaguars in free agency, Hainsey’s spot has been left vacated. While undrafted free agent Jake Majors has seen a lot of time at center and could make the team, Klein has also taken to the position. Instead of just being a mauler, he has learned the communication responsibilities.

“Center is great, gives you a lot of command at the line and allows you to really use some of your brain power rather than just listening,” Klein said.

When left tackle Tristan Wirfs returns from his knee injury, all of the starting offensive line spots will be solidified. Rather than just stick to playing guard, where Klein admitted that he is the most comfortable, he has been pushed to develop by run game coordinator/offensive line coach Kevin Carberry and offensive line coach Brian Picucci. Should an injury along the interior arise, he would be the top option to step in among the team’s backups.

Bucs OL Elijah Klein and RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“They have been instrumental, Klein said of Carberry and Picucci. “Obviously, a lot of movement so far this camp and those guys are just so knowledgeable, and they really set aside their own time to help you out with whatever you need, [I’m] greatly appreciative to them.”

Elijah Klein has worked hard to secure himself a spot on the 53-man roster, and playing with one of the league’s youngest and most promising offensive lines. Klein is grateful for being a part of such a fun room.

“I mean, incredible football players but beyond that, incredible men,” Klein said. “They are always fun to be around and luckily I’m fortunate enough to be with them about 15 hours a day. They are incredible, they’re hilarious and really smart and driven guys.”