Offensive Line Change Will Be a Major Storyline at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' continued process of securing their offensive line is something to look for this Summer.

David Harrison | Jul 21, 2024

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (67) blocks against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For a team that has ripped off multiple NFC South Division titles in a row and has been a consistent playoff presence, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of questions to answer as training camp gets rolling this week.

Some are more theoretical, like whether or not quarterback Baker Mayfield will be the same guy who got a three-year extension from the Buccaneers this offseason.

Other questions, like how well the offensive line in Tampa Bay gels with two new starters and a left tackle wanting a new contract, are much more easily gauged by watching and observing. And the importance of getting that answer is why it lands on Bobby Kownack's NFL.com preview of the Bucs' 2024 training camp.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Luke Goedeke

"Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke and guard Cody Mauch have the right side secure, while Tristan Wirfs provides All-Pro-caliber services at left tackle -- although his desire for an extension is an added wrinkle..."
- Bobby Kownack, NFL.com

"There will be new starters at two of the three interior spots on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Luke Goedeke and guard Cody Mauch have the right side secure, while Tristan Wirfs provides All-Pro-caliber services at left tackle — although his desire for an extension is an added wrinkle," Kownack wrote. "The Bucs are entrusting their snapping duties to rookie Graham Barton, the first center off the board in the 2024 draft. As for [left] guard, Todd Bowles already promised a “heck of a battle” between Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta."

There are also questions about new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and whether or not he can take what new Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales started last year and build on it in 2024.

Those three items serve to form the biggest question marks around the Buccaneers offense in this year's camp, and all of them are connected.

We'd argue, however, that the offensive line questions loom the largest, because if that unit falters, it may not matter if Mayfield is the same guy or if Coen is the right offensive mind. Shake the platform, crack the foundation, and the whole house could come tumbling down.

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Published Jul 21, 2024

DAVID HARRISON

David Harrison has been in sports media since 2015 using written, audio, and video media to cover athletes, coaches, and games. In addition to covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for BucsGameday and Locked On Bucs he also covers the Washington Commanders for Commander Country and Locked On Commanders and the Washington Wizards for Inside the Wizards. David also covers the NFL as a whole as one of the Friday hosts for Locked On NFL. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and previously spent 20 years as an active member of the United States Army. Contact David via email at david.w.harrison82@gmail.com or on Twitter @DHarrison82.