It's official: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected former Duke Blue Devil, Graham Barton, with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bucs wasted no time turning in their pick, which came as no surprise. It was widely known that Jason Licht and co. were looking to upgrade the center position, and just the interior offensive line in general (outside starting right guard Cody Mauch of course), and Barton gives them said upgrade thanks to his versatility.
Robert Hainsey, the starter over the last two seasons, struggled last year in Dave Canales' offense and even though Canales is no longer in the picture, the Bucs hired Liam Coen, who runs a similar system.
Therefore, it's easy to see why Barton is considered an upgrade at center, which is where he is projected as a best fit in the NFL. Either way, the Bucs will have viable depth, at worst, at a very important position in 2024.
Jason Licht confirms Barton will start out at center
As mentioned earlier, the idea coming into the draft was that Barton projects best at center in the NFL, despite starting at tackle for the majority of his collegiate career.
Licht said a few weeks ago that moving guys inside isn't as easy as it sounds, but he obviously feels just fine doing that with Barton. And why not, especially considering the success he's had in the past.
Obviously only time will tell what happens, but it's clear the center position will be one of the top battles to watch between now and the start of the regular season.
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