TAMPA, Fla. – The Bucs’ major emphasis on offense is improving their run game, so Bucs right guard Cody Mauch is beefing up.
“One of the biggest things for me this offseason was to get a little bit more strength, a little bit more weight,” Mauch said. “I’ve been doing a lot better in the weight room. I’ve put on 12 to 15 pounds, which has been a pretty good offseason. Just seeing now if we can get that to correlate on the field as well.”
The Bucs did a decent job protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield last season and even though they took some strides in their rushing attack, Mauch sees them building off that and likes this new system under offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
“We’ve all liked what we’ve seen,” Mauch said. “Nothing drastically different than what we’ve done in the past, maybe a little tweaks here and there this far into the install. I really think the run game should improve from last year.”
It all starts upfront, and the Bucs went with big Graham Barton as their first-round pick in the NFL draft. It’s early, but already Barton appears to be overtaking Rob ert Hainsey at center. Mauch likes what he sees in the rookie from Duke.
“He’s (Barton) been great so far,” Mauch said. “It’s always tough to come in and learn a new system especially since he gets thrown into it. He’s been great. You can tell he’s taking the role well. A good vocal leader as already, which is great, two weeks into it.”
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles noticed a difference in Mauch’s size and knew the offensive line needed an upgrade.
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“The biggest thing for Cody, you look for more strength, obviously coming in out of college last year,” Bowles said. “He worked on that in the offseason. He looks bigger. He’s always been smart, he’s always been tough and I think the game has slowed down for him quite a bit.”
Voluntary workouts continue, with most players in attendance. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is not participating, waiting on a long-term deal and not wanting to risk injury.
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