The Buccaneers added some depth to the offensive line in the second round of the NFL draft by drafting tackle Cody Mauch from North Dakota State.
The 6’5″ Mauch brings a mean, gritty streak to the Buccaneer’s offensive line that should fit well with the unit.
The team needs a starting tackle with the Buccaneers not resigning Donovan Smith. Luke Goedecke will get the opportunity to start at tackle on the right side of the line, with Cody Mauch adding some needed depth.
The Bucs have successfully drafted offensive linemen from non-traditional power five schools.
Ali Marpet went to Ithaca College and played right guard at a Pro Bowl level his entire career in Tampa.
Alex Cappa attended Humboldt State and was a second-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2018. Cappa played four years in Tampa before signing with Cincinnati.
Mauch should be able to help improve the weak Buccaneer running game as the Bucs finished last in the NFL in rushing yards, attempts, and average-per-carry last season.
Meet New Buccaneers Lineman Cody Mauch
During his introductory press conference, Mauch talked about his athleticism.
“I think one of my biggest strengths is my athleticism. The ability to block out in space is something I’ve always prided myself on and done a good job with. Also, my knowledge that’s something you don’t see on the field. Something I’m trying to work on is figuring out which position they’re going to want me to be at and doing my best to go in and compete there.”
Mauch also talked with the media about what he brings to this Buccaneer team. “They’re getting a guy who’s going to work hard. I’m going go out there, do my part, and do what I can to help us win on Sundays in whatever capacity that looks like. I’m going to have a blast out there.”
With Goedeke penciled in at right tackle, there is a possibility that Mauch could move to guard. However, Mauch can play any position along the offensive line, which is almost a requirement for a Buccaneer offensive lineman.
Buccaneers Add Linebacker In The Third Round
In the third round, the Buccaneers added to their linebacker depth by selecting linebacker YaYa Diaby from Louisville.
The drafting of Diaby should put Joe Tryon-Shoyinka on notice that it is time to produce, or this may be his last season in Tampa.
Diaby is the type of player who will contribute as a rotational rusher and special teams player immediately. The plan is that Diaby can develop into a starting edge rusher in time.
Diaby brings more speed to the defense as he ran a 4.51/40 at the combine. Diaby also has the speed and power combination that Todd Bowles likes in his defensive players.
Jason Licht talked about Diaby and how he will impact the Buccaneer defense. “He’s very strong, so he’s got speed to power, which is hard to find. I think I’ve found over the years, the guys who don’t make it don’t have an element of power. You can be fast as hell off the edge, but if you don’t have an element of power to combine with it, you get figured out by NFL tackles.”
Diaby took the hard way to the NFL. He was not offered a scholarship out of high school and attended Georgia Military College for two years before signing with Louisville in 2020.
In 2022, Diaby was third-team All-ACC when he set career highs in sacks with nine and tackles for loss with 14.
Diaby has a high motor and is relentless in pursuing the quarterback. When he spoke with head coach Todd Bowles on the phone, he told Bowles, “You’re getting a good one.”
The Buccaneers have added a lot of athleticism in the first two rounds of the draft adding Chancey, Mauch, and Diaby, three of the most athletic players at their respective positions.
