Despite Improvements Last Year, Bucs RT Luke Goedeke Is “Never Satisfied”
Although Luke Goedeke took a big step in his development last season, when he spoke to the local media at Bucs’ mandatory mini-camp earlier this month he revealed that he is not content with just getting better.
Goedeke is working to be one of the best tackles in the NFL.
“Like I said, I’m just never satisfied,” Goedeke said about if having last year under his belt helped him. “Last year was last year, obviously. It helps knowing that I can play at such a high level in the NFL, but I don’t think I’m anywhere near my full potential. I’m just going to keep growing and growing as an offensive tackle in this league – that’s what I’m looking forward to most. And, continuing to work with the guys, especially, and continuing to grow as an individual and as a football player.”
Working with the guys includes working with left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Since being drafted 57th overall back in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wirfs has taken Goedeke under his wing and has publicly voiced his support for him when he struggled his rookie year. After spending a lot of time together since, including a fishing trip last offseason and plenty of intense weight room sessions, the pair have not only become best friends but also one of the best offensive tackle duos in the league.
Luke Goedeke Wants To Be Better In Pass Protection And In The Run Game
When looking at how he can take it up a notch in 2024, Luke Goedeke mentioned there is not just one way he is looking to build on his game.
He wants to become more well-rounded in all aspects.
“To be quite honest with you, all of them,” Goedeke said. “In pass protection, [being] better with my hands and calming my eyes down and just focusing on where I want to lay my hands and everything. Footwork, as well, in the pass game. In the run game, playing with a little better pad level and just getting my hands fit a little better.”
When looking at Goedeke’s play last season, it was clear that he improved by leaps and bounds.
In the passing game, he had to face his share of quality pass rushers and won most of the battles handily. From Danielle Hunter, Haason Reddick, Cameron Jordan, Aidan Hutchinson, and others, he was able to keep them in check and give them fits.
In the run game, he was far more comfortable and tenacious, with this rep against Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark serving as a prime example.
Looking ahead to this season, he is excited to play in new offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s offense, which has already driven home the importance of an established run game predicated on hard-fought runs.
“I’m just excited to get on guys in the run game and get after them,” Goedeke added. “We got more wide zone and outside zone coming in and everything like that. Looking forward to getting running and running off the ball and stuff like that as well as downhill runs, duo and powers and taking them vertical. Just really gritty runs.”
Continued Improvement Could Solidify Luke Goedeke’s Bucs’ Future
Although Luke Goedeke is not yet satisfied with where he is, there is newfound optimism about his future outlook in Tampa Bay.
Pewter Report’s own Josh Queipo recently outlined the Bucs’ financial flexibility looking ahead to next season, and Goedeke could be in line for a big payday if he can improve his play even more from last season.
In particular, Queipo had this to say about how quickly things could transpire.
As the Bucs are all too well aware, the offensive tackle market is exploding. Penei Sewell just reset the market at $28 million per year and Tristan Wirfs is likely to reset it sometime in the next year, possibly as soon as later this summer… If Goedeke were to put together another season similar to his 2022 campaign, he could cement himself as a top-10 right tackle in the NFL.
Although there is still plenty of time for the team to ponder this possibility, it speaks to just how much the perception around him has changed in just one season. As Goedeke admitted though, he still believes there is even more room to develop and blossom as the Bucs’ long-term right tackle.
