TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the worst rushing unit in back-to-back seasons in the NFL.
This year, so far, the team ranks No. 4 in yards per carry. The addition of Bucky Irving has certainly helped, but the maturation of the offensive line has been key as well.
Entering the offseason, Tampa Bay had a hole to fill on the interior of the offensive line. General Manager Jason Licht decided to bring in two players to compete for that starting guard spot opposite second-year man, Cody Mauch.
It was Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson. While Bredeson was viewed as the favorite entering Training Camp, he won the job when Opeta suffered a season-ending injury in practice.
Bredeson has stepped up ever since and, despite a shoulder injury, has started every contest this season.
Bredeson played college football at the University of Michigan under head coach Jim Harbaugh. During his time at Michigan, Bredeson was a consistent starter, earning All-Big Ten honors multiple times.
The lineman was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, however, after spending his rookie season with the Ravens, Bredeson was traded to the New York Giants in 2022 in exchange for a draft pick. The move proved to be a turning point in Bredeson’s career, as he found a more prominent role with the Giants’ offensive line.
Like many young players in the NFL, Bredeson faced challenges transitioning to the league, but with more opportunities, he is proving to be a capable starter in the league.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Carolina Panthers this weekend, while his Michigan Wolverines try to win their fourth straight game against Ohio State.
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