Versatile OL Cody Mauch Says Figuring Out His Position With Bucs Is "Part of the Excitement"
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are starting off the 2023 NFL Draft with a focus on the trenches. After selecting former Pittsburgh defensive lineman Calijah Kancey in the first round, the Buccaneers drafted former North Dakota State offensive tackle Cody Mauch to kick off the festivities on Friday. The team actually traded up two spots to secure Mauch's services.
READ MORE: Buccaneers Getting a "Hard Worker" In Pittsburgh DL Calijah Kancey
After beginning his college career as a tight end, he grew into an All-American offensive tackle and was named the FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year following his final season with the Bison. Mauch ended up compiling a 78-8 record and winning four national championships while playing with a perennial winner at the FCS level.
While Mauch didn't take a top-30 visit with the franchise prior to the draft, he did have multiple meetings with the Buccaneers throughout the process. The interest first started during his appearance at the Senior Bowl in January.
"I had multiple meetings with them throughout the senior bowl and then the combine experience," Mauch said to the media shortly after being drafted. "Also had a zoom with the o-line coaches as well, just kind of going over some film and the playbook and whatnot. I've had a good amount of communication with them throughout the whole process."
The North Dakota native started the final 39 games of his tenure with the Bison. Two of those starts came at right tackle while the other 37 came at left tackle. His versatility is something that teams coveted ahead of the draft and Mauch isn't too sure where Tampa Bay is projecting him just yet.
It's worth noting that the franchise is in the market for a new left tackle after releasing veteran Donovan Smith. The team also traded starting right guard Shaq Mason to the Houston Texans in March.
"No I'm not too sure where they see me, that's part of the excitement I think, my ability to go in and play wherever," Mauch said. "Not sure what they're seeing in terms of position but whatever it is man, I'm ready to go."
"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," Mauch added. "Also, my knowledge – that’s something that you don’t see on the field but just knowledge for the game is huge. 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.”
"The way I play, my biggest thing is I have fun. I go out there, I get the job done and I just have fun doing it," Mauch continued. "I think that shows up on film a lot, just kind of some of the goofy antics or anything like that. I'm just a guy who was always dependable at my college and I'm just having a blast out there."
It might just be the long red hair but Mauch has a striking resemblance to Buccaneers' starting center Ryan Jenson, who even agreed with a meme on social media. Does General Manager Jason Licht have a type?
"Something about small school guys and something about guys with long red hair. I don't what that is but it worked out with Ryan Jensen," Mauch said. "I'm going to come in and make that work as well. Excited to play next to a guy like that."
"I’m excited to just get to know him, the way he goes about his business – a pro like that is someone you want to learn from," Mauch continued. "That’s someone you want to just be clinging to all the time. Really excited to get to know him and the rest of the guys in the room. Just excited, I guess.”
In his own words, what does Mauch believe that he can bring to the Buccaneers?
"They’re getting a guy who’s going to work hard," Mauch said. "I’m going go out there, do my part, do what I can to help us win on Sundays in whatever capacity that looks like. I’m going to do my job and have fun doing it. I’m going to try to show that, too. I’m going to have a blast out there. Whatever needs to be done will get done on Sundays.”
An easy-going, proven winner, with a mean streak between the lines. It sounds like Mauch is going to fit in perfectly with what Licht and second-year head coach Todd Bowles are trying to build in Tampa, no matter where he ends up contributing along the offensive line.
READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select Calijah Kancey in Round 1 of 2023 NFL Draft
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