Cody Mauch Took A Large Step Ahead In 2024 | Pewter Report

The Bucs offensive line was up there with the NFL’s greatest in 2024, and each member of the unit performed a task in that. However as a lot discuss as there’s been in regards to the excellence of Tampa Bay’s tackles and even the rookie season that heart Graham Barton had, proper guard Cody Mauch deserves extra credit score for the advance he displayed in his second season.

Mauch, a second-round choose by the Bucs within the 2023 NFL Draft, actually had some rising pains as a rookie. In fact, he was transitioning from left deal with to proper guard whereas going from North Dakota State to the NFL. It was certain to make for some ups and downs, however Tampa Bay confirmed loads of perception in him from the leap, and it paid off in 2024.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and RG Cody Mauch – Photograph by: USA At this time

“I am so much more comfortable now,” Mauch instructed Bucs Whole Entry in December. “The factor in regards to the transition final 12 months, particularly cross pro-wise, was you do three years at left deal with and you’re so use to throwing your outdoors hand together with your left and now you’re on the appropriate facet at guard and the whole lot occurs a lot sooner. It was so dumb as a result of final 12 months I knew what I wished to do and what I needed to do however my physique simply wouldn’t do it.

“Finally, I got after it a little bit during the offseason and figured some things out. The biggest thing is on the inside you can throw your hands and you have a way better shot…Now, my body is listening to my head and I am more confident.”

That offseason work – and the improved confidence that got here with it – confirmed this season as Mauch performed a key position in a Tampa Bay offensive line that was the anchor for one of many league’s greatest offenses. Quarterback Baker Mayfield set profession highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion share, rookie working again Bucky Irving grew to become the Bucs’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin in 2015 and Mike Evans reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark for an NFL-record-tying eleventh straight season.

Tristan Wirfs took one other step in his second 12 months at left deal with and earned each Professional Bowl and All-Professional honors. Veteran Ben Bredeson got here in and shored up a left guard place that Tampa Bay wanted enchancment from after Matt Feiler and Aaron Stinnie cut up time there in 2023.

Rookie heart Graham Barton confirmed a substantial amount of promise as he dealt together with his personal place change from deal with to heart. And proper deal with Luke Goedeke stacked a second spectacular season at proper deal with, setting himself up for a big-time payday – doubtlessly as quickly as this offseason.

However don’t let Cody Mauch’s large step ahead get misplaced within the shuffle. He simply turned 26 final week, and the arrow seems to be pointing up as he now prepares for 12 months 3. There’s a cause why he was voted as Pewter Report’s Most Improved Offensive Participant for this season, in spite of everything.

A Nearer Look At Cody Mauch’s Step Up In 2024

Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Photograph by: USA At this time

It’s secure to say that Professional Soccer Focus’ grading system mirrored the rising pains that Cody Mauch skilled as a rookie in 2023.

He completed with an total grade of 43.9, a run blocking grade of 37.6 and a cross blocking grade of 52.1. He was credited with 57 pressures allowed, together with eight sacks. It additionally didn’t assist that he was flagged 5 instances on the 12 months.

There have been loads of moments Mauch would’ve favored to overlook from his first season. But it surely’s higher that he didn’t overlook them, as he realized and grew right into a star-in-the-making this season.

Statistically, the one factor that basically stayed constant from 12 months 1 to 12 months 2 for Mauch was his availability. After enjoying 1,236 of a attainable 1,236 snaps as a rookie, the 6-foot-6, 303-pounder performed 1,178 of a attainable 1,178 snaps this season.

And so far as the remainder of his statistics and the grades that got here with them, they actually illustrate the expansion and reliability Mauch confirmed week in and week out on tape.

That 43.9 total grade in 2023 changed into a 74.6 mark in 2024. He went from a 37.6 run blocking grade final 12 months to a 68.4 this season. And in cross safety, he was an absolute stud. His 52.1 grade from 2023 skyrocketed to a 77.2 mark in 2024. After permitting 57 pressures and eight sacks as a rookie, he dropped these totals to 19 and two, respectively. That’s an enormous step up in play for No. 69.

Amongst Tampa Bay’s beginning 5 offensive linemen, Mauch trailed solely Wirfs in cross blocking grade and was solely behind Goedeke in run blocking grade.

Whereas the Bucs are ready to see what the long run holds for offensive coordinator Liam Coen, their younger offensive line provides them an impressive basis to work with as they appear to maintain issues rolling in 2025. And Cody Mauch has now confirmed that he is usually a main a part of that basis.