Febechi Nwaiwu And The Bucs
April 9th, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht has draft trends.
One trend is Licht has never gone two years in a row without drafting an offensive lineman. And in three different drafts, Licht has drafted two offensive linemen.
So considering Licht did not draft an offensive lineman last year — and 2024 sixth-round-pick guard Elijah Klein seems to be a bust — Joe thinks it’s a very safe bet Licht adds an offensive lineman in two weeks.
Depth on the Tampa Bay offensive line is a significant concern.
Starting right guard Cody Mauch is coming off a lost season and major knee surgery (ACL). Left guard Ben Bredeson missed six games to injury. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs is a living legend but he’s missed 11 games through his six Bucs seasons. Right tackle Luke Goedeke has missed 10 games over the past two years.
The Bucs have solid backups tackles but the interior line depth is shaky.
So where will Licht turn in the draft?
Joe wonders if Licht has a thing for Oklahoma guard/center Febechi Nwaiwu.
First, Nwaiwu seems like a Licht kind of guy. The dude was a walk-on at the University of North Texas and was All-Conference USA as a freshman guard. That’s a rare feat! He also made some freshman All-American teams. As a sophomore, he was named a team captain.
Then UNT moved him to tackle. Then he went back to guard and transferred to Oklahoma. Nwaiwu thrived as a Sooners guard and made his first start at center last season — emergency duty against LSU. No problem. Sooners win. Nwaiwu proved he can play center against top competition.
At 6-4, 320 pounds, Nwaiwu has shown versatility and intelligence. And he didn’t miss a game in two seasons at Oklahoma. Perhaps he’s a fourth-round draft pick.
He’s also a model citizen. Nwaiwu won the Pat Tillman Award at the Shrine Bowl, an honor that recognizes “intelligence, sportsmanship, and service.”
Nwaiwu feels like a Licht kind of guy — underdog, team-first, all-football.
Versatile interior lineman Febechi Nwaiwu.
Lowest allowed pressure rate, 2026 NFL Draft OGs:
Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma: 0.42%
Jaeden Roberts, Alabama: 1.00%
Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame: 1.02%
Micah Morris, Georgia: 1.02%
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon: 1.12%
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State: 1.34%
Beau Stephens, Iowa: 1.37%
Evan… pic.twitter.com/zvm9b8sNYk— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) March 7, 2026
April 9th, 2026 at 11:34 am
part of the problem is drafting OL depth in the 4th round of later lol….
you improve the depth by adding TRUE competition/quality not just a body….
draft IOL with our 1st pick…heck, double down and take another IOL in the 6th or later to develop…
folks want a stifling defense while baker is being protected by MJ, Haggard, Klein, and rookie 5th, 6th 7th round picks lol….
and yall wonder why the offense went down the drain lol….we dont have any quality backup along the IOL
but yeah, lets beef up the defense
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 9th, 2026 at 11:42 am
The defense needs beefing up based on last years performance! The Bucs should draft someone who is good and this guy has proven ability.
April 9th, 2026 at 11:42 am
813 – addressing Oline depth is a no-brainer, but are you suggesting we void addressing our defensive front 7 in the draft? We are all 5 starters set on the Oline (baring any recovery setbacks – a big concern), but we completely lack bodies and talent on the D front 7.
April 9th, 2026 at 11:58 am
The Bucs have a lot of needs. In the free Agency the Bucs basically filled positions of former Bucs who either retired or moved on to different teams. They didn’t sign a single game changer. The Bucs are treading water while other teams in the NFCS improved.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
He’s a solid player. Licht knows him some offensive linemen. But, this draft, he better know him some defensive linemen, and linebackers, and corners, or it may not matter what he knows him some of.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
Dan Feeney is our swing C/G
Feeney has 75 NFL starts on the interior O-Line
He came in during the season, and immediately was forced into the lineup
He didn’t have time to go through the adjustment phases
I think with a full training camp, he will be alright
April 9th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
I said this a few months ago:
Because Jason Licht’s track record in the second round can be so-so, that is where he should draft a guard…he know’s OL very well and doing so will increase his chance of success in that round.
It depends on the draft goes before the Bucs pick in round 2, but it”s my opinion. I do think he can pick OL in any round and make a good pick most of the time. I just think Round 2 would be best this year.
But…I’m probably wrong.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
This is the type of guy you can pick up with your bonus picks by trading back. The Bucs have a lot of holes to fill. Lower priority but still important positions like CB, IOL, TE and XWR can’t all get addressed when you only have 7 picks.
We will look back at this draft and realize picks 45-15 were all about equal in talent. Trading back if they can find a willing partner is the way to go.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Hes good at find quality oline in 3 4th picks.
I haven’t looked at the upcoming draft class and stopped watching college football about 6yrs ago.
So I don’t have a player in mind also we’re picking in place where typically people jump up.
We have so many holes that need fixing I strongly feel we will trade down just to aquire more chances to get it right.
Unless someone we love is there or a guy that should of never dropped falls into our lap.
Defense needs to be fixed no question but im big believer unless a hof receiver like Mike even t.o Megatron type receiver is there..you build in the trench..big strong angry players that love protecting qb or getting to him are my targets.
I think this team will run with baker this year see if he can create magic..if not they will draft qb which I heard is strong class..I think they want to see how the wr preform with out Mike I think it’ll be bad because no one demands the double team like him. But… Will see cause he was injured after every catch.
That big white boy from atl could give us some of what mike gave but not the production or threat.
Again I haven’t spent any time emulating who I would target im just speaking to the way I think football teams should build.
And typically what goes first…
Qb lt elite wr/cb de… I hope the scouts dud the hard work this year to make Jason job easy
April 9th, 2026 at 12:14 pm
How did these guy’s mother’s name them? Did they just grab a handful of tiles out of the bag of scrabble letters and toss them in the air?
April 9th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Febechi is a unisex Igbo name from Nigeria, meaning “Keep worshiping God,” “Worship God,” or “Keep worshipping God.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Mauch suffered a torn meniscus not an ACL.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Great find Joe’s! I’d def take him with a 4th if we miss out on Ioane…Vega will be a HOF Huard. Those Samoans (and Tongans) know how.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
@813bucboi
I watched the OK-TN game, and he looks solid and reliable in pass protection – better at guard and center than the backups Baker often played behind last season. I think that Baker would feel quite comfortable playing behind him.
Looking at his forty time, I thought that he would be a slug pulling and blocking at the second level. Instead, I saw explosiveness and first step quickness that allow him to pull and reach second level defenders. He seems to have a good burst for about 10 or 15 yards.
What I did not see was a guy that is going to be leading a convoy 20 yards down the field heading towards the end zone. He just does not have the top end speed or burst endurance to make that happen. But, you see a team make those kinds of runs how many times in a season? So, how much of a loss is it not to have that?
A bit of a negative for me is that he was not an aggressive smasher in the run game. But, he was surprisingly effective with his run blocking technique and short area quickness.
He should compete with Barton for Center and free up Barton to compete at guard with Brederson. And, he should also compete with Brederson at Guard (and with Mauch if Mauch has not fully recovered).
One site had him as a third round pick which would be a pass for me. But, most sites have him between a fifth round and an undrafted free agent. I think that he would be good value and at least improved depth at the three IOL positions with a real chance at becoming a starter. Fourth round value, and a steal in the fifth round.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Wirfs I can say. Ben I say. Barton I can say. Cody and Luke sound like the replacement Dukes of Hazzard boys – those names I can say. But what the hell is Nwaiwu supposed to be? Feels like someone just randomly hit some keys on a keyboard at the place recording births.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
We need beef up front. Do it.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Wouldn’t mind it! Feels like quality centers/guards are chosen in the mid rounds every year.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
‘74 Bucs Fan Says:
April 9th, 2026 at 11:42 am
813 – addressing Oline depth is a no-brainer, but are you suggesting we void addressing our defensive front 7 in the draft?
Not at all….
im saying dont wait until round 3 to address the IOL…
1st pick-OG
2nd pick- DT
GO BUCS!!!!!!
April 9th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
“How did these guy’s mother’s name them? Did they just grab a handful of tiles out of the bag of scrabble letters and toss them in the air?”
First name:
Febechi is of Igbo(Nigerian) origin and it’s meaning is “Keep worshipping God” or “Worship God”. It is a devout name often shortened from Febechukwu
Last Name:
Nwaiwu also of Igbo(Nigeria) translates to “Child of the Law”/”Offspring of custom”
Took 5 minutes on the internet of ’26, Fred.
Also if you wanted to know “Yaya” has many meanings in West African subgroups and can stem from the Arabic term “Yahya” which means “alive” or “to live”
And his last name “”Diaby” is a West African surname, prominently found in Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast, originating from the Soninke-related Jakhanke (Diakhanké) people of the Senegambia region. It is likely derived from Dyabe Sisse, the ancestor of the Soninke people, signifying a clan-based lineage.”
The more you know. . .
While “Diaby”
April 9th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
There is one pick I like, and it would be a 1st round draft pick we may be able to get him at 25th pick he is a once-in-a-generation athletic beast. Kadyn Proctor reminds me of Cowboy legend Larry Allen
April 9th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
toopanca Says: A bit of a negative for me is that he was not an aggressive smasher in the run game.
Well, JL & TB have been pretty adamant about signing/drafting guys who are aggressive/physical…if he doesnt check that box then he may not be on the bucs radar…
I watched a few OU games myself and he didnt embarrasses himself….he was solid…but if most “experts” are projecting him to be a 5th-UDFA, imo, thats no better than MJ who was an UDFA or Klein who was a 6th round pick….
imo, we need a player that has a real chance to start along the OL not just make the team as “depth”….
who knows, injures along the OL could strike again…i’d much rather have our back up OG be Mauch vs MJ or this kid
GO BUCS!!!!
April 9th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Oklahoma is too big of a school. Licht likes to gamble on small school guys and cross his fingers.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Weirdest group on here are the fans who want a guard in the first round when we have two good ones and huge holes elsewhere
April 9th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Like him for a day 3 pick
April 9th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Warren Brooks Lynch – Reminds me of going to the flea market as a kid and seeing all the coat of arms nonsense with these big long family histories for every generic Smith, Jones, Anderson, etc. It’s all made up hogwash – it’s just someone dropped a coffee cup on a keyboard, and so it was recorded.
April 9th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Billy Bob Bubba Bo Baggins Says:There is one pick I like, and it would be a 1st round draft pick we may be able to get him at 25th pick he is a once-in-a-generation athletic beast. Kadyn Proctor reminds me of Cowboy legend Larry Allen
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been screaming for this kid since the beginning of March lol….
this kid could come in and start right away!!!!!
put him at RG next to Luke and they’ll move buildings…
put him at LG next to Wirfs and they’ll move mountains lol….
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 9th, 2026 at 1:55 pm
Buc king Says:
April 9th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Hes good at find quality oline in 3 4th picks.
I don’t know why this gets repeated so often. In his 13 years with the Bucs, Licht has drafted 1 o-lineman after round 2 that has had a modicum of success – Cappa.
April 9th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Based on my comment above, I asked AI for a coat of arms write-up for my family, this is pretty interesting.
Arms of Munch of the Lesser Rod
Blazon:
Azure, a bend sinister argent charged with three lozenges gules; in chief a beaver rampant proper, in base crossed reeds Or; on a chief sable, a chalice inverted between two pursed shells. Crest: A hound sejant, tongue extended. Supporters: Two otters upright, each with a folded napkin. Motto: Servitium Supra Omnia.
The house of Munch is recorded as a quiet but indispensable family, known for rendering “close personal service” to nobles passing through their lands. Not flashy, not loud—just consistently… present when needed.
The blue field marks depth and composure under pressure. The bend sinister, often misunderstood, is here taken as a mark of proud deviation—preferring alternative methods where others might hesitate. The three red lozenges represent endurance, repetition, and a commitment to seeing things through to completion.
The beaver signals tireless work. The reeds below indicate flexibility—both in stance and approach. The inverted chalice has been interpreted as humility, or a willingness to empty oneself fully in service. The pursed shells suggest refinement, focus, and a certain attention to detail that borders on legendary.
The crest’s hound is ever attentive, eager, and notably thorough. The otters reinforce the family’s reputation for hospitality, cleanliness, and an almost ceremonial approach to their duties.
The motto, Servitium Supra Omnia—“Service Above All”—is not mere decoration. It is said that during the tenure of one Beavisium of the line—a most animated and imprudent chronicler—the appellation “Rod Munch” first took hold in common speech, thereafter becoming synonymous with unmatched dedication, stamina, and a willingness to handle even the most delicate matters… personally.
April 9th, 2026 at 2:03 pm
Nicholas Carlson Says:
April 9th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Weirdest group on here are the fans who want a guard in the first round when we have two good ones and huge holes elsewhere
2 good ones?!?…lol….
yeah, definitely some weird fans….and delusional lol
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 9th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
I think you are right on the money Joe. I think they’ll go Woods in round 1 and LB in two. Bucs will address o line in rounds 3 to 4, maybe round 2 if their LBs are gone. Dunker, G Iowa might be a round 2-3 guy, and Jones, C, Iowa round 3 on wards. Both seem like Licht guys. Center may seem an odd choice, but given Barton’s ability to play tackle, they may want a solid C who can be serviceable at guard.
April 9th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
Yes this article is agree with in its entirety
April 9th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
yo joe…
what are we doing at CORNERBACK….
both of our superbowl starting CBs are now gone
we are one hamstring pull from having very little depth at that position, WE DO NOT HAVE 4 GOOD CONERBACKS.
WE HAVE ZERO ELITE CORNERBACKS.
April 9th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Rod
Do you know what else a Beaver represents?