Graham Barton gets ‘good baptism’ to prepare for season

Former Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton was considered one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having played both center and left tackle in college. He was considered arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the draft… despite not having played center since 2020.

The Buccaneers had a big hole at center after Ryan Jansen retired this summer (Jansen missed the entire regular season in 2022 and 2023 with knee injuries, but played in Tampa’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys after the 2022 regular season) and Barton is ready to fill that void immediately. He’s preparing by taking on a “heavy load” at center and getting what head coach Todd Bowles calls a “good baptism.”

“It’ll be a good baptism for him, as far as getting ready for the season,” Bowles said, via ESPN’s Jenna Laine. “I think he’s learned a lot, I think he’s looking forward to getting his pads on and showing what he can do physically. He’s a smart guy.” Laine reports that Barton and last year’s starter Robert Hainsey have gotten first-team reps at center.

At some point, we expect Barton to get the nod, even if he’s not immediately ready. His naughty streak will help the Buccaneers get their offensive line back in good shape. Even Bucs general manager Jason Licht said Barton reminds the team of former Bucs guard Ali Marpet and has some Ryan Jansen in him. Not a bad combination to have in a player.

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