Position Group: Offensive Line
Players: Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke, Robert Hainsey, Justin Skule, Royce Newman, Elijah Klein, Garret Greenfield (Reserve/Future), Luke Haggard (Reserve/Future), Lorenz Metz (Reserve/Future), Raiqwon O'Neal (Reserve/Future), Silas Dzansi (Reserve/Injured), Sua Opeta (Reserve/Injured)
2024 Evaluation: The Buccaneers top-five starting offensive line combination of Tristan Wirfs-Ben Bredeson-Graham Barton-Cody Mauch-Luke Goedeke played 61.5% of the team's snaps in 2024, the 5th-highest share of any five-man unit during the regular season per Next Gen Stats. From Weeks 13-18, the aforementioned combination played 96.3% of the club's total snap together.
In his first season after making the transition from right to left tackle, Tristan Wirfs finished the regular season with the 2nd-lowest pressure rate allowed (4.7%) among left tackles with at least 200 pass block snaps, down from the 8.0% pressure rate he recorded in 2023. Wirfs did not allow a single pressure in four games this season, the only player at his position to do so (min. 25 pass block snaps). Wirfs became the first-ever first-team All-Pro at right and left tackle, garnering recognition for his stellar play. He is among the upper echelon at the tackle position – if not the best - and is a technician with rare athleticism. Wirfs possesses great core strength and has the lateral quickness for gap-duties. The explosive drive blocker elevated the Buccaneers' offense in 2024, fortifying the front line.
The Buccaneers acquired Ben Bredeson last offseason on a cap-savvy one-year deal. He stepped into the starting role at left guard and delivered a stout showing. The Buccaneers averaged 4.8 yards per carry running inside left and 1.5 yards before contact – more impressive considering that feat is easier accomplished around the edge. Bredeson helped create leverage in the run game and matched power moves from pass rushers.
Graham Barton, the Bucs' first overall pick out of Duke, anchored the line in 2024. He tied for fourth in fewest sacks allowed among centers in 2024 with Miami's Aaron Brewer and Buffalo's Connor McGovern at 2.0. Barton, who was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils, made a smooth transition in the pros. He had a heavy load in the interior, which included making blitz/stunt adjustments, setting protections and getting linemen set up with proper assignments based on the defensive look. He was adept at getting to the second level on climbs to generate rush lanes.
Cody Mauch improved his play in year two at right guard, bulldozing grown men with elite finishing skills. Mauch allowed two sacks on 1,131 offensive snaps played in 2024 and became a force in the run and pass game. Several of Bucky Irving's sensational runs throughout the 2024 campaign came as a result of Mauch taking out defenders to clear the path by extending blocks in space. He added on weight to enhance his craft and ability to hold with power at the point of attack. The game slowed down for Mauch in 2024, and he was effective in zone and in setting up combo blocks alongside Goedeke.
"Cody doesn't say much, so I don't get a lot of feedback from Cody but that's sometimes a good thing because he's a pro. Cody – he does his job, he's been playing better – I completely agree with that," said Liam Coen. "Confidence, I believe he's really gaining more confidence, I do think he's communicating at a high level when he is out on the grass. Off the field though, I've just seen a guy really work at his craft, his hand placement, his punch, his anchor, the way that he plays the game, getting out of his stance quicker and having a little bit more pop and hand usage. You've seen him be diligent about these things in the walk-through settings, in the practices that we've had, and it is showing up in game days so I've been pleased with Cody's play over the last two weeks especially."
Luke Goedeke, dubbed one of the most underrated linemen in the league by Baker Mayfield, has formed a fearsome tandem with Wirfs on the end of the line in Tampa Bay. The bookend tackle played 905 snaps and made his presence felt with strength and quickness. With effective hand placement and leg drive, Goedeke set the tone against some of the NFL's most lethal defensive ends. He pairs a stout anchor with the ability to uproot opponents in the run game. Goedeke plays with a fiery disposition and fortified Tampa Bay's offensive line in 2024.
2025 Outlook: Ben Bredeson, Robert Hainsey, Justin Skule, Sua Opeta and Royce Newman are all unrestricted free agents in 2025. The Bucs will have several challenging decisions regarding depth. Bredeson, who became the team's valuable starter at left guard, will soon hit the open market and create a vacancy in the lineup. Hainsey, the team's primary backup center, was a part of the Bucs' 2021 draft class and completed his initial four-year contract. Whether the Bucs opt to re-sign, shop in free agency or add via the 2025 Draft, the club will need to shore up the offensive line.
