By now, the Bucs’ defensive wants have been well-documented. Pewter Report will proceed to investigate the methods the unit can enhance earlier than subsequent season. Wanting on the offense although, the group can be trying to do the identical underneath new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Particularly, one participant trying to make a second-year leap is offensive lineman Elijah Klein.
Klein, Tampa Bay’s 2024 sixth-round decide, spent his rookie coaching at totally different positions and studying behind the scenes. Will he develop into an element upfront in 2025? He’ll be engaged on rising bodily and mentally over this offseason to place himself able to.
Eljiah Klein Has Realized The Instruments Of The Commerce And Desires To Be A “Hammer”
Bucs G Elijah Klein – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
With the Bucs offensive line staying comparatively wholesome and enjoying in addition to they did final season, it was a tall job for Elijah Klein to ever see the sector. Whereas Klein didn’t get to play significant snaps, it doesn’t imply he didn’t study behind the scenes and from the fellows round him.
Drafted with no consideration guard after enjoying there solely throughout his final two years at UTEP, he began to showcase his versatility and earn his preserve. That included getting observe reps throughout the offensive line all year long and enjoying proper deal with through the preseason.
Klein spoke to Pewter Report about what that have was like for him.
“It’s been great,” Klein mentioned late within the common 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 – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
He didn’t shrink back from the problem and was open to making an attempt new positions, which he did throughout his freshman yr in faculty beginning a few video games at left deal with. Throughout his time with the Miners, he actually helped pave the way in which for his or her dashing assault.
“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 mentioned of becoming right into a run-heavy scheme. “I mean, all teams run the same plays at the end of the day.”
Josh Grizzard can be tasked with main the run sport now, however ought to Klein be pressed into any motion, Grizzard can rely on the versatile offensive lineman to be bodily wherever he’s lined up.
“I think probably just physicality and aggression,” Klein mentioned when requested about his finest 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 Desires To See Elijah Klein Hold Doing What He’s Doing
Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Proper guard Cody Mauch is aware of what it’s like to interrupt into the league as a flexible offensive lineman and taking a bounce in his second NFL season. After enjoying left deal with at North Dakota State, Mauch spent his rookie yr going by way of the ups and downs of being a proper guard earlier than changing into arguably probably the most improved Bucs participant and enjoying above-average soccer.
To him, being versatile and prepared to leap wherever is what jumps off the web page when he seems at Elijah Klein.
“That’s definitely it, versatility,” Mauch mentioned. “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 together with swing deal with Justin Skule and middle Robert Hainsey, there’s a beginning spot and two key backup positions for the taking ought to any of them depart city. That would enable Klein to step in, however first, he has an entire offseason forward to organize and hone his abilities.
Bucs G Elijah Klein – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Earlier than Mauch, it was Luke Goedeke who drastically improved after settling in for his second season at proper deal with. Whereas lots of the main target can be on what middle Graham Barton does in his second yr, the burly No. 79 can’t be forgotten about, both. Who is aware of? He may very well be the following 2024 draft decide so as to add worth to the staff.
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” Mauch mentioned concerning the mindset you could have coming into your second yr. “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.”
Whereas Elijah Klein has work to do earlier than changing into a beginning Bucs offensive lineman, he’ll be trying so as to add some energy and dive into playbook research. Klein is conserving his offseason plans easy.
“Planning on sticking around in Tampa, training here, and just getting jacked,” Klein mentioned. “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.”
