Offensive Line Options for the Buccaneers in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft
With the combine just around the corner and the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, it's as good of a time as any to start evaluating the different position groups that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may look to address early on in the draft.
The Buccaneers need to add reinforcements to their interior offensive line. After a strong rookie season, Cody Mauch is a promising building block. But there's two other spots along the interior that need to be upgraded.
Robert Hainsey is a borderline starter, capable of playing center or guard, but I believe he showed us this past season that he is better suited for a reserve role. As a swing offensive lineman, Hainsey could provide valuable depth to a position group that is often vulnerable to injury, as opposed to being relied upon as a starter.
As much as Bucs' GM, Jason Licht, loves to flex his muscles when it comes to finding OL talent later in the draft, there's always the chance that he decides to use his first-round pick to upgrade that area. So let's take a look at some of the top interior offensive line options that could be available for the Buccaneers in round one.
Jackson Powers-Johnson | C | Oregon
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) signals against the Washington State Cougars in the 4th quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
An immovable object at Oregon, Powers-Johnson improved his stock even more by dominating his competition at the Senior Bowl practices in Mobile just a few weeks ago. Powers-Johnson has experience playing in various spots along the offensive line, but his skills project best as a center. He's got great size for an interior lineman, and he has the strength/power/balance combination to stand up to NFL defensive linemen. He's also got the quickness needed to get up field to excel as a run blocker. It's hard to find any holes in his game, and Powers-Johnson has the nasty demeanor to top it all off.
Outside of Troy Fautanu -- who is expected to kick inside at the NFL level -- Powers-Johnson is likely to be the first interior offensive linemen selected on draft night. If he's still around at 26 -- which is far from a guarantee -- the Buccaneers would be wise to select a player who checks all the boxes, including positional need.
Graham Barton | OL | Duke
Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates a point during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
At 6'5", 314 pounds, Barton is a mountain of a man. He played left tackle at Duke, and despite his lack of length, he performed exceptionally well in that role for the Blue Devils. Because of his arm length, he is expected to transition to the center position at the NFL level, and he has all the traits to develop into an elite performer at that position. Barton has extremely powerful hands, a strong core, and a polished technique. He's patient, he finishes blocks with force, and he has all of the attributes to become the Buccaneers' long-term starter in the middle of their offensive line.
Barton is projected as a late first-rounder, and there's a very good possibility that he would be available when the Buccaneers' are on the clock at 26.
Zach Frazier | C | West Virginia
Sep 10, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) blocks during the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
West Virginia's Zach Frazier is another prospect with a bright NFL future, and someone worth keeping an eye on. Initially expected to be available on Day 2, Frazier has continued to generate momentum as the pre-draft process has moved along, and he now appears to have a legitimate shot at being selected in the first round. The 6'3", 313-pound center is a powerful and sturdy anchor who specializes at the center position. He's known for being a warrior on the field and gained a reputation for being one of the toughest players in the country last season.
Other Options:
If Troy Fautanu -- who was a standout left tackle for Washington this past season -- were to somehow slide to 26, it would be a dream scenario for the Buccaneers. Although he has the size, ability, and experience to play tackle at the NFL level, Fautanu has All-Pro potential as a guard. It's highly unlikely that Fautanu would still be available so late in the first round, but stranger things have happened on draft night. If he's there, the Bucs shouldn't think twice about drafting him. Fautanu would provide the Bucs with the elite left guard they've been missing ever since Ali Marpet retired a few seasons ago.
Final Thoughts
Realistically, if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft -- without moving up -- it's most likely going to be a center, and chances are it's going to be one of three players: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, or Zach Frazier.
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