The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not entering the draft searching for immediate starters along the offensive line, but depth and versatility remain constant priorities. Injuries, performance variance, and contractual turnover make developmental offensive linemen valuable, particularly those capable of backing up multiple positions.
The Shrine Bowl offered a setting to evaluate linemen whose physical profiles align more closely with depth and swing roles than early starting projections, which fits Tampa Bay’s current roster construction.
Interior and Tackle Versatility Matter More Than Star Power
Garrett DiGiorgio, Micah Morris, Tristan Leigh, and Febechi Nwaiwu each bring frames that meet NFL size thresholds while offering positional flexibility. DiGiorgio’s length and mass support a swing tackle projection, while Morris and Leigh profile more naturally as guard-to-tackle cross-trainers. Nwaiwu, an interior lineman from Oklahoma, adds functional strength and balance that translate well to guard depth roles. None of these players project as plug-and-play starters, but their measurable profiles suggest they can survive in pass protection and anchor against power if pressed into action. For the Buccaneers, that type of versatility reduces the need to dress multiple specialists on game day.
Functional Mass, Anchor Ability, and Intangibles
Riley Mahlman rounds out the tackle group as a developmental option with adequate length and functional strength. At over 6-foot-8, Mahlman’s frame provides clear edge-protection potential, even if refinement is required. Nwaiwu’s evaluation, however, extends beyond measurements alone. He was named the 2026 Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award recipient, an honor recognizing sportsmanship, intelligence, and service. Those traits matter for depth offensive linemen, where preparation, coachability, and reliability often determine roster longevity more than raw upside.
Why the Shrine Bowl Matters for Offensive Line Depth
| Player | Pos | College | Height | Weight | Hand | Arm | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett DiGiorgio | OT | UCLA | 6’6” | 321 lbs | 10 1/8” | 32 6/8” | 80 0/8” |
| Micah Morris | OG | Georgia | 6’4” | 346 lbs | 9 7/8” | 33 3/8” | 83 1/8” |
| Tristan Leigh | OT | Clemson | 6’4” | 299 lbs | 9 4/8” | 34 2/8” | 84 1/8” |
| Riley Mahlman | OT | Wisconsin | 6’8” | 304 lbs | 9 1/8” | 32 1/8” | 80 4/8” |
| Febechi Nwaiwu | OG | Oklahoma | 6’3” | 324 lbs | 9 2/8” | 33 6/8” | 82 6/8” |
Offensive line evaluations at the Shrine Bowl focus less on dominance and more on survival traits — footwork, balance, hand placement, and communication in a condensed environment. For a team like Tampa Bay, which prioritizes continuity and dependable depth along the line, that context helps identify linemen capable of stepping in temporarily without destabilizing the offense. This group fits that profile, projecting as realistic late-round or undrafted options who support roster stability rather than reshape the depth chart.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Shrine Bowl offensive linemen who fit as Bucs depth
