By now, the Bucs’ defensive needs have been well-documented. Pewter Report will continue to analyze the ways the unit can improve before next season. Looking at the offense though, the group will be looking to do the same under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. In particular, one player looking to make a second-year leap is offensive lineman Elijah Klein.

Klein, Tampa Bay’s 2024 sixth-round pick, spent his rookie training at different positions and learning behind the scenes. Will he become a factor upfront in 2025? He’ll be working on growing physically and mentally over this offseason to put himself in a position to.

Eljiah Klein Has Learned The Tools Of The Trade And Wants To Be A “Hammer”

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

With the Bucs offensive line staying relatively healthy and playing as well as they did last season, it was a tall task for Elijah Klein to ever see the field. While Klein did not get to play meaningful snaps, it does not mean he didn’t learn behind the scenes and from the guys around him.

Drafted as a right guard after playing there exclusively during his last two years at UTEP, he started to showcase his versatility and earn his keep. That included getting practice reps across the offensive line throughout the year and playing right tackle during the preseason.

Klein spoke to Pewter Report about what that experience was like for him.

“It’s been great,” Klein said late in the regular season. “That’s something that I did in college a lot. I bounced around most positions, so getting the opportunity to do that here and kind of feel your way out and see where you can fit into this team has been great.”

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

He did not shy away from the challenge and was open to trying new positions, which he did during his freshman year in college starting a couple of games at left tackle. During his time with the Miners, he literally helped pave the way for their rushing attack.

“Liam [Coen] has incredible run schemes, but it’s nice to be able to bring some of that physicality that I learned at UTEP, as well as some of the schemes honestly,” Klein said of fitting into a run-heavy scheme. “I mean, all teams run the same plays at the end of the day.”

Josh Grizzard will be tasked with leading the run game now, but should Klein be pressed into any action, Grizzard can count on the versatile offensive lineman to be physical wherever he’s lined up.

“I think probably just physicality and aggression,” Klein said when asked about his best trait. “The run game is definitely my strong suit. Pass protection sometimes it feels like you’re the nail and the d-line is the hammer. When it’s run game, those roles get reversed.”

Cody Mauch Wants To See Elijah Klein Keep Doing What He’s Doing

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

Right guard Cody Mauch knows what it’s like to break into the league as a versatile offensive lineman and taking a jump in his second NFL season. After playing left tackle at North Dakota State, Mauch spent his rookie year going through the ups and downs of being a right guard before becoming arguably the most improved Bucs player and playing above-average football.

To him, being versatile and willing to jump wherever is what jumps off the page when he looks at Elijah Klein.

“That’s definitely it, versatility,” Mauch said. “That’s something that he’s done really well this year is in [individuals] or any team sessions, whenever there’s an open spot, he’ll jump in. He’s more than willing to go and get free reps at whichever position. Center, tackle, guard – he’ll do any of it. That’s huge for a guy like Elijah.”

With left guard Ben Bredeson an upcoming free agent along with swing tackle Justin Skule and center Robert Hainsey, there is a starting spot and two key backup positions for the taking should any of them leave town. That could allow Klein to step in, but first, he has a whole offseason ahead to prepare and hone his skills.

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

Before Mauch, it was Luke Goedeke who drastically improved after settling in for his second season at right tackle. While a lot of the focus will be on what center Graham Barton does in his second year, the burly No. 79 cannot be forgotten about, either. Who knows? He could be the next 2024 draft pick to add value to the team.

“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Mauch said about the mindset you must have entering your second year. “It takes a while. You start to figure it out a little bit, your head is swimming right away. The offseason, that first offseason is your biggest jump. It’s getting in and getting some real offseason training in. Watching your stuff, seeing what you can improve. Offseason workouts and OTAs are just the stuff you work on in the offseason. Being able to hop in and try that stuff in an OTA setting – that’s really where I think the biggest jump comes.”

While Elijah Klein has work to do before becoming a starting Bucs offensive lineman, he’ll be looking to add some strength and dive into playbook study. Klein is keeping his offseason plans simple.

“Planning on sticking around in Tampa, training here, and just getting jacked,” Klein said. “That’s the hope. I think playbook study, footwork, and hand placement and all those other things outside of just the physical work in the weight room will all be at play also.”