Graham Barton Discusses 'Growing Pains,' Facing 'Outstanding' Dexter Lawrence

Graham Barton took over the Bucs’ starting center reins during the offseason, and the team’s first-round pick has continued to grow into the role after spending most of his college career at Duke as a left tackle. Barton has had promising moments, displaying the athleticism and traits the front office coveted when they selected him to take over the incumbent Robert Hainsey’s spot long-term.

After having some time to watch film and reflect on how the season has gone so far over the bye week, Barton shared how he has worked to develop and learn from those around him.

“I’ve done some good, but I’ve still got to work on some of the details and some of the inconsistency,” Barton told Pewter Report. “I think some of it is growing pains, but some of it is just flat-out mistakes. I have to learn to limit those some more as I continue to progress, but I definitely have good guys around me who help me with that and it’s been the main focus, eliminating some of the mistakes in-game.”

The offensive line is filled with young players that general manager Jason Licht has drafted in recent years to solidify the trenches. Don’t think each of them hasn’t played a part in helping the rookie and giving him helpful tips. The young center could not just name one guy.

“All of these guys really,” Barton said about who has helped him adjust to the league. “Can’t say enough about guys like Robert Hainsey, Justin Skule, everyone. Luke [Goedeke], Ben [Bredeson], Cody [Mauch], Tristan [Wirfs]. It’s hard to name just one or two of them, they have all done a really helpful job. I just appreciate them bringing me in and welcoming me in. Understanding where I’m at and helping me get better and hold me accountable.”

While he was quick to point out everyone, Hainsey has particularly taken him under his wing. It speaks to the backup center’s character that he has been an encouraging leader off the field for someone who took his starting spot, especially as he is in a contract year himself.

“I’ve got the utmost respect for Rob and the way he approaches each and every day of his job,” Barton said. “He’s just been so amazing to me as a teammate, a friend, and a leader. You ask a lot of guys in here who our leaders are, I don’t think they’d even doubt to say Tristan, one of our captains, but Robert as well.

“He’s been a voice of reason, but specifically to me, he’s welcomed me with open arms and we both understand the nature of this business. I think his mindset is just, ‘I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team, whether that’s helping Graham or helping on the field.’ Just can’t say enough about him, his leadership, his character, and just really appreciate all he’s done for me.”

The mentor opened up to Pewter Report about how proud he is of his mentee and the way his game has taken off throughout the season.

“It’s been awesome,” Hainsey said about watching Barton’s progress.” It’s been very gratifying to watch too, seeing the way he’s grown and how he’s improved. He has a great head on his shoulders, the way that he approaches the game is very detailed and very prepared, and he has a plan for everything that he is going to do.

“He’s gotten through the things that you have to figure out when you get into the NFL. Some of these guys are really good. You have to understand the game, and things are starting to slow down for him, you can kind of see it in his play. It’s been really cool to watch him grow, improve as a player, be more vocal in the game on the field as a player, it’s been great.”

Graham Barton Is Preparing For Dexter Lawrence, Who Has Been “Playing Really High-Level Football Right Now”

There are tough matchups across the board between the Bucs and Giants this week, but most of them revolve around the trenches. Who wins upfront will be vital in dictating the game – and which team comes out with the win.

Without left tackle Tristan Wirfs, reserve tackle Justin Skule will likely see plenty of Brian Burns. On the other side, Luke Geodeke will have his hands full stopping Azeez Olujari. Burns and Olujari each have six sacks and are two of the team’s top pass-rushers.

Undoubtedly though, the best of the bunch is defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, the 6-foot-4, 340-pound behemoth up the middle. Graham Barton has had plenty of tests this year, but matching up against Lawrence will arguably be the toughest – and the one that he needs to pass. “Sexy Dexy” already has 15 quarterback hits and a career-high nine sacks in just 10 games this season and is someone Barton will be tasked with stopping from getting to quarterback Baker Mayfield.

“He’s playing really high-level football right now,” Barton said. “Been one of the best in the league for a long time and I think right now he’s playing at a really high level. All of those guys up front are, they’ve got a great defensive line, so we’re looking forward to the challenge. We’re going to be ready, we’re going to prepare all week and make sure we study hard. It’s all about communicating up front, making sure we are on point with our assignments, getting out there and playing football at the end of the day, and competing. We’re looking forward to it, it’ll be a good test for our offensive line, and ‘Yeah, we’re excited.'”

Robert Hainsey will not be playing on Sunday barring an injury, but he discussed how Barton can prepare for what will surely be a physically demanding 60 minutes of football at MetLife Stadium.

“They have a good front seven,” Hainsey said. “Dexter Lawrence is a really good player and would pose problems for every center and every guard that has to go against him. You have to have a good plan, but ultimately, when it comes to these kinds of games, and you’re going up against really good players, you have to be 100% locked in on what you’re doing. There’s not much room for error by yourself. They’re going to make plays, the plays they make have to be because they made a great play and not because you let them make a great play if that makes sense.

“It’s a big week to have a great plan for what you’re going to do, really focus on your technique and fundamentals, do your job, and play to the best of your ability. Those are the keys because there are good players every week. Those things never change, maybe a little bit more amplified when you have a guy like Dexter Lawrence, [who] is an outstanding player. You have to be ready to rock and you have to prepare the things that you do the best you can.”