The first day of practice for the 2023 Senior Bowl was Tuesday and this was the first opportunity for former college players the chance to impress teams ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. One player that was worth watching this week in Mobile, AL is Cody Mauch out of North Dakota State University.
During his time in college, Mauch was exclusively an offensive tackle with a few starts at right tackle in 2020 before moving over to left tackle for the remainder of his time at North Dakota State University. However, during the Senior Bowl he is showing the versatility he could bring to whichever NFL team drafts him as he began Tuesday’s practice at left guard, according to Dane Brugler.
This shift inside to guard was something Mauch seemed to prepare for and was expected. In an interview with Justin Melo of The Draft Network he had this to say about the potential position change:
"“I’m not sure where I see myself in all honesty. I’ll prepare to play any position across the offensive line. I’ll be fine with wherever they decide my best fit is. Obviously, I’m a little more comfortable with tackle at this point given the amount of reps I have at the position. Like I said though, I’ll be ready to play wherever I’m needed. “"
Cody Mauch has a chance to move up draft boards for the 2023 NFL Draft
The Senior Bowl will give Cody Mauch a chance to show he can compete against some of the best and put aside the concern of playing in a smaller conference. In addition, if he shows he can play guard at that high level, he should move up draft boards.
The interior offensive line class isn’t as strong this year and currently The Draft Network has Mauch as the fourth best IOL on their Big Board. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him be drafted somewhere on Day 2 by a team like the Buffalo Bills, who need help on the interior of their offensive line.