The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made two calculated gambles when putting together their starting offensive line in 2023. First, Tristan Wirfs moved from right tackle, where he had been a first Associated Press All-Pro, to the left side to replace the departed Donovan Smith. Given how obviously talented Wirfs is, that was a relatively mild gamble, and it paid off in a big way when he made the Pro Bowl at his new spot.
Second, the Buccaneers inserted second-year player Luke Goedeke at the vacated right tackle spot, where he had played exactly one game as a rookie following an early-season attempt to slot him in at left guard. Goedeke did play right tackle in college, but the competition at Eastern Michigan wasn't on the same level as the NFL. This is a bit more of a pronounced gamble, but it too paid off as Goedeke fared quite well at the new position and gave the Bucs what appears to be a long-term solution at that important spot.
The Bucs will likely have two more changes on the five-man front this year, with rookie first-rounder the likely starting center and left guard possibly going to a newcomer like Ben Bredeson or Sua Opeta. The team is still in the early days of training camp, but Goedeke saw enough through the offseason to believe the O-Line is going to be a major strength for the Buccaneers in 2024.
"This offense is only going to continue to grow," he said. "Just the different eye candy we put on, the different schemes we have, I think it will really complement our game really, really well. The whole offensive line up front, I think we're looking really strong this year, just building that continuity across the line, communication, understanding where the back's trying to hit it. Just stuff like that. At the end of the day, it's going to take a little time, but I've seen it already, during OTAs, what it can be, the gashes we've had already."
By 'gashes,' Goedeke means large running lanes created for the team's ballcarriers, and if the Buccaneers truly can see a significant improvement in the ground game the offense can't help but be much better. Baker Mayfield threw for over 4,000 yards and Tampa Bay ranked 17th in passing offense last year, but the run game was last in those rankings for the seventh year in a row. New Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen has made it abundantly clear that producing a better rushing attack is the number one priority on offense this seaon.
"It's a completely new [and] different offense," said Goedeke. "We've got more motions than I've ever seen before in my life. We've got different schemes. It's a lot more extensive in everything, a lot more the defense to try and lock in on.
View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Friday, July 26th, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Tackle Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25, and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Pass Game Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Tight End Sal Canella #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Gatorade can during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 and Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Cornerback Chris McDonald #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32, Safety Marcus Banks #39, Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16, Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 and Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Quarterbacks Coach Thaddeus Lewis, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There's plenty of room for the Bucs' O-Line to grow. Cody Mauch, who started all 17 games as a rookie last year, worked throughout the offseason to add weight and muscle to his game so he can better handle powerful defensive linemen. As a rookie, Barton is likely to progress as the season goes on and be better at the end than the beginning. Someone will have to prove their the right answer at left guard, and it's not unreasonable that Wirfs will be even better in his second season on the left edge. Amidst all that, Head Coach Todd Bowles expects Goedeke to make a big leap forward.
"Luke's going to continue to get better," said Bowles. "He's a tireless worker. He's strong as an ox. He loves to compete every day – we've got to protect him from himself. He wants to get better, he wants to take every rep. The game slowed down for him a lot last year. This year I look for him to continue to get better and better. I thought he played well last year at a lot of times. I think he understands how the quick d-linemen are, how the strong ones are and I think he understands what to do to set up his blocks better."
Goedeke also things the right side combination of him and Mauch will be better thanks to the season they spent building chemistry in 2023.
"Having our first year together under our belt…I love that dude to death," he said. "The communication's been great; we continue to work on communication every day, and it's only going to continue to get better and better. After almost every play we're like, 'Great communication,' and stuff like that. That's a big part of playing offensive line, is five guys on the same page every play. If you have just one guy off the communication, that can ruin the whole play."
