Pewter Report took the time to debate one of the best Bucs gamers on Wednesday’s Pewter Report Podcast, however who would get the award for probably the most improved Buccaneer this season? There are just a few worthy contenders, however one participant stands out above the others.
Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Proper guard Cody Mauch.
After being drafted by Tampa Bay within the second spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft, Mauch began his complete rookie 12 months, going by way of the anticipated ups and downs of a younger offensive lineman who – like left sort out Tristan Wirfs, middle Graham Barton, and proper sort out Luke Goedeke – switched positions from the place they performed in faculty.
Using his first NFL offseason to get larger and construct confidence was key for him to take a big bounce and supply above-average play for a lot of this previous season. Professional Soccer Focus was a giant fan of his work, and Mauch took time late within the season to share what was key for his development alongside the most effective offensive strains within the league.
Professional Soccer Focus Named Cody Mauch Most Improved Bucs Participant In 2024
Professional Soccer Focus’ Thomas Valentine just lately went over one participant from every of the 32 NFL groups who’ve improved probably the most for his or her respective workforce, and proper guard Cody Mauch was picked for the Bucs. Valentine had this to say about Mauch.
Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Cody Mauch struggled in his first season within the NFL, he was inserted into the Buccaneers’ lineup as their beginning proper guard from Day 1 and regarded off the tempo for giant stretches of the season. He allowed 48 pressures and 7 sacks, incomes a 44.7 grade in 1,102 offensive snaps. Enchancment was wanted throughout the board, and Mauch delivered in 2024.
The previous No. 49 total decide was wonderful in his second season, permitting a 2.7% stress charge, the sixth-lowest amongst all guards, and his complete pressures allowed dropped to simply 18, which was 30 fewer than only a 12 months in the past. Mauch’s total grade improved to 75.4, the Fifteenth-highest amongst guards in 2024. The development after only one 12 months has been exceptional.
Normally, it’s arduous to quantify the success of an offensive lineman, however it’s apparent simply how a lot the younger proper guard developed 12 months over 12 months. What stands out probably the most is his bounce from a 44.7 to 75.4 participant grade and permitting 30 fewer pressures than he did throughout his rookie season. That illustrates simply how a lot energy he has added since being drafted. He was pushed again on the line of scrimmage usually throughout his first 12 months, however that has modified and he has rapidly blossomed into one of many higher offensive guards in soccer.
Alongside a Bucs offensive line that deserves extra credit score, Mauch performed a much bigger half in defending quarterback Baker Mayfield and aiding the run sport’s enchancment. He performs sturdy from the snap and pairs that with plus athleticism in attending to the second stage and opening up operating lanes subsequent to proper sort out Luke Goedeke.
Bucs C Graham Barton and RG Cody Mauch – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Chatting with Pewter Report in December, he shared what has allowed him to play higher and develop extra snug.
“I’d say maybe just playing with more confidence,” Mauch mentioned. “You have a year under your belt, and you get an offseason, especially playing next to guys like Luke. We really understand each other and playing next to each other I can have a good feel with where he is going to be and what he’s doing. Graham [Barton] stepped really nicely into that role, too. He’s helped out so much. Just playing with a lot more confidence now.”
Bucs normal supervisor Jason Licht has discovered loads of high quality offensive linemen within the NFL Draft in recent times, including Tristan Wirfs in 2020, Luke Goedeke in 2022, Cody Mauch in 2023, and Graham Barton in 2024. Tampa Bay has constructed up the trenches in spectacular vogue, and the advance of Mauch helped the offense enhance and have a historic 12 months.
