Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Cody Mauch was thrown into the fire as a rookie. Mauch experienced some typical up-and-down struggles, but there were flashes of high-level interior offensive line play. He should take a sizable step forward in 2024.
The No. 49 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mauch was named the starting right guard in early August. He was a mainstay at that position, appearing in all 17 regular-season games and two playoff contests. Mauch was one of three Buccaneers offensive linemen that played all 1,103 snaps.
The performances were a bit of a rollercoaster. Mauch was outstanding in Weeks 1 and 2, allowing just one combined pressure versus the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, according to Pro Football Focus. Other performances weren't as flashy. Mauch was tagged with a 24.5 pass-blocking grade versus the Detroit Lions in Week 6. He played his worst game of the season versus a tough San Francisco 49ers front in Week 11. Mauch allowed a season-high 10 pressures and nine hurries en route to a 2.80 protection grade.
Mauch allowed 48 total pressures, 35 hurries, and 7.0 sacks en route to a pass-blocking grade of 52.2. Mauch was a little inconsistent as a run blocker, earning a 39.1 in that department. His season-long overall grade was a 44.7.
The Buccaneers are no stranger to watching first-year linemen struggle, only to showcase terrific development in year two. Luke Goedeke, another small-school lineman who was tasked with starting as a rookie in 2022, finished his debut season with a pass-pro score of 40.7. Goedeke was significantly better as a sophomore in 2023 following a position switch to right tackle.
The Buccaneers hope Mauch follows a similar developmental plan, and they have every reason to believe he will. “I think with the experience he got in year one, he’ll be a lot better,” head coach Todd Bowles said this offseason. “He’s a good football player, he’s a very good football player. We (expect) Cody to be very, very good this year.”
The Buccaneers have made sweeping changes across the interior of their offensive line this offseason with Mauch being the only remaining starter from last season. Robert Hainsey is being demoted to backup duties at center following the drafting of Graham Barton with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Barton projects as an upgrade over Hainsey.
Most NFL evaluators felt @seniorbowl alum second-rounder Cody Mauch was only OL in 2023 draft class who could legitimately start at all five spots and that guy next year could be @DukeFOOTBALL senior Graham Barton.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) June 7, 2023
There’s already some debate in league circles what Barton’s best… pic.twitter.com/rQd4LxHWv7
Last season's primary left guard was Aaron Stinnie. Stinnie delivered league-average play before signing with the New York Giants in free agency. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht responded by signing Ben Bredeson to a one-year contract. With an upgrade to Mauch's left in Barton and another season playing next to right tackle Goedeke, the second-year blocker should feel more comfortable heading into 2024.
The Buccaneers asked a lot of Mauch in 2023, and his performance was as expected given his steep acclimation from North Dakota State to professional football. He'll be better prepared both physically and mentally as a sophomore. Mauch should experience a breakout campaign while meeting his potential.
