Graham Barton is the key
1 min read
2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers first round draft pick Graham Barton, center, speaks to the media as he sits with head coach Todd Bowles, left, and general manger Jason Licht, right, during an NFL football news conference Friday, April 26, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Barton played his college football at Duke. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Why is rookie center Graham Barton the biggest key to success in 2024? The Buccaneers couldn’t run the ball last year, and a huge reason for that was the center position. Luke Goedeke filled in admirably, but he was playing out of position, and it showed. The Buccaneers need a leader and someone that can quarterback the offensive line. That man is Graham Barton. He was the clear-cut best offensive lineman in the draft. Just like Tristan Wirfs, Graham Barton fell right into the laps of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With a poor attempt to quote late Arizona Cardinals Coach Dennis Green, but if Graham Barton is who we thought he was the Buccaneers have struck gold twice. The offensive line is young and full of talent. They are all (almost) locked up for years to come. This could be the best collective offensive line that Baker Mayfield has ever taken a snap behind.
