The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had mixed success when drafting offensive-line help during their 50-year history in the NFL. But over the last decade, the success rate has risen significantly under the guidance of general manager Jason Licht.

Historically, the Buccaneers have used only seven of their first-round picks to address offensive-line needs. However, over the years, some of their most talented players of that position group have come out of the draft. 

Wirfs was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft from the offensive linemen factory known as the University of Iowa. He is arguably the best OL draft pick in Bucs franchise history. Wirfs immediately made his mark as a dominant right tackle.

Later, he switched to the other side and became an All Pro at the all-important left tackle spot, and has been an anchor on the offensive line for years. Wirfs graded out at 92 last season, which was the second-highest among all offensive linemen.

Super speedy, agile, and smart -- at the NFL combine, he scored a 30 on the Wonderlic test (a score of 20 is thought to represent average intelligence), Marpet was drafted in the second round out of Division III Hobart in 2015. For seven seasons, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound standout guard also served as emergency center if called upon, and was an anchor on the interior line until he retired in 2022 at the age of 28.

Gruber was an OT selected in the first round in 1988. He was the team’s reliable left tackle for over a decade, from 1988 to 1999.

A fourth-round pick in the 1990 draft, Mayberry became a three-time Pro Bowler and is considered one of the greatest steals in Tampa Bay draft history. Mayberry was the starting center for most of the 1990s, and is the standard that every center that came after him is held to.

A first-round pick in the 2006 draft, Joseph was a solid starter at offensive guard for years and who earned Pro Bowl honors.

An undrafted free agent in 2006, Penn’s development at offensive tackle was crucial to solidifying the Buccaneers offensive line.

Licht has been successful with prioritizing the offensive line in the draft, with great success:

A versatile lineman who can play both guard and center, Barton was a first-round pick in 2024. Drafted as a replacement for Ryan Jensen, Barton is considered a high-value starter with his versatility.

Mauch was drafted in the second round in 2023 out of FCS powerhouse North Dakota State and developed into a starting guard.

Another versatile lineman selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, Goedecke can play both tackle and guard and has developed into a reliable presence as a starter at right tackle. Goedecke signed a contract extension before the start of last season.  

Hainsey was a third-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame, and was pressed into service as a starter at center after Ryan Jensen was injured. He played out his rookie contract in Tampa Bay before signing a three-year, $21 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars last March. Hainsey started every game but one at center for the Jags this past season, missing the team's 20-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury.

Smith was a second-round draft pick in 2015 out of Penn State, and was a consistent starting left tackle for the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV champion team. 

With free agency coming up next month, the Buccaneers have three offensive linemen on their list of potential free agents, including starter Dan Feeney. In addition, backups Charlie Heck and Michael Jordan, who stepped in for injured teammates when needed, could also test the free-agent waters.

It will be interesting to see how Licht handles this period of flux and if he can keep his talented offensive line intact for next season.

ㅤ

Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!