The newest member of the Bucs is Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton. Tampa Bay drafted Graham Barton with their first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, going 26th overall as the board really fell in the Bucs’ favor.
Graham Barton is an immediate plug and play offensive lineman that helps fill a weakness on the interior offensive line. While it was initially believed Barton would play at left guard, it appears early on that the Bucs have plan for him to go at center, replacing Robert Hainsey. Either way, Graham Barton gives the Bucs positional flexibility and an athletic, hard nosed player adding to the offensive line.
Pewter Report’s Instant Analysis On Graham Barton To Bucs
While on our live draft show, energized by Celsius, Pewter Report gave their immediate reaction and break down of the pick. There had been comparisons already between Graham Barton and Bucs’ great Ali Marpet even before Barton was coming to Tampa Bay.
It’s tremendous company to be in as Barton makes his way into the NFL looking to put his own stamp on the league with his mobile style of play as he looks to help improve Tampa Bay’s run game.
Check out the video of our live reaction:
Graham Barton What Kind Of Player The Bucs Are Getting
After talking with Bucs general manager Jason Licht, the Tampa Bay media then spoke with Barton virtually. Barton explained the caliber he is and what we can all expect from him in a red and pewter jersey.
“I just think I’m a hard worker,” Graham Barton said. “I play with grit, I play with toughness, I have a passion for this sport and I truly love what I do and I think I show that on tape. I don’t think anything is going to change going from Duke to Tampa Bay. I think I’ll bring that same attitude every day.
“I’m aggressive, I finish blocks – that’ll never change – for me, that’s who I am and that’s what I’ll always be. I plan on bringing that to the room and obviously just adding to them and wanting to work with them and building close relationships and immerse myself into the position room.”
Barton will be in Tampa on Friday for an in-person press conference as an official Bucs player. Pewter Report will have all of the news coming from it. Day two of the Pewter Report live draft show, energized by Celsius, covers rounds two and three going for every single pick made. It begins on Friday at 6:00 PM, which is one hour before the start of the draft. Watch the show on our YouTube channel.
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