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Cody Mauch

Cody Mauch Player Profile

Summary

Cody Mauch was selected in the 2nd round (48th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL Draft Buzz He played college football at North Dakota State University, where he was a multi-year starter on the offensive line, primarily at left tackle. In his final college seasons, he was highly productive in pass protection: over his career at NDSU, he allowed only two sacks. Bleacher Report His honors include being a Consensus FCS All‑American (2022) and multiple All‑MVFC selections. NFL Draft Buzz Mauch originally walked on as a tight end and bulked up significantly, showcasing his athleticism and transformation. AtoZ Sports As a professional, he’s shown toughness, good mobility, and a willingness to compete — earning recognition as one of the more “underrated” linemen in his early years. Bucs Report

Strengths

  • Athleticism & Movement Ability: Mauch has smooth footwork, lateral quickness, and the agility to mirror speed rushers. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Run-Blocking Prowess: He demonstrates strong leg drive, power, and the ability to sustain blocks effectively, especially in gap‑based or run‑drive schemes. Last Word On Sports

  • Explosive First Step: Despite being a former tight end, he shows burst off the snap, allowing him to get to his blocks quickly. Last Word On Sports

  • Grip Strength & Hand Technique: Uses strong, powerful hands to latch onto defenders and maintain control through contact. AtoZ Sports

  • Functional Athleticism: He has good “mauler” mentality — combining power, footwork, and balance to finish blocks. AtoZ Sports

  • High Motor & Competitiveness: Plays with energy and intensity; he has a reputation for toughness and finishing plays. Bucs Nation

  • Versatility: While he played tackle in college, many evaluators see him as capable of shifting to guard in the NFL, thanks to his athletic profile. AtoZ Sports

  • Underrated Impact: According to recent analysis, Mauch significantly improved his play in early NFL seasons, earning praise for his pass protection and consistency. SI

Weaknesses

  • Short Arm Length: He has relatively short arms for his height, which could limit his ability to engage and control edge rushers effectively long term. Last Word On Sports

  • Waist Bending / Pad Level: Sometimes plays too upright or bends at the waist, compromising leverage and power. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Core Strength / Weight Concerns: At ~303 lb, his frame may lack ideal mass or core strength to hold up as an anchor in some power-blocking schemes. AtoZ Sports

  • Second-Level Technique: Some evaluations note he can struggle with balance, hand placement, and engagement when asked to block at the second level. Last Word On Sports

  • Staying Engaged on Blocks: He can sometimes let defenders re-engage him or lose sustain, especially in longer plays. AtoZ Sports

  • Hip / Movement Stiffness: Though mobile, his hip flexibility and change-of-direction in tight pass sets may not be elite. AtoZ Sports

Fit & Outlook

Cody Mauch projects as a high-upside interior (or potentially swing) lineman in offenses that value both run and pass balance. Given his mobility, athleticism, and grip strength, he fits especially well in zone-blocking schemes where lateral movement and second-level reach blocking are key. While he played tackle in college, his physical profile suggests a possible long-term shift to guard in the NFL — a move that many believe maximizes his strengths and mitigates some length concerns.

Outlook-wise, Mauch has the traits to develop into a reliable starter. He has already shown marked improvement at the pro level, and if he continues refining his leverage, pad level, and technique, he could become a cornerstone of a stable offensive line unit. His character — toughness, competitiveness, and work ethic — combined with his athletic upside, gives him a solid floor. With proper development, his ceiling is that of a high-quality starter who can play multiple interior spots and contribute in both pass protection and the ground game.