Graham Barton: The Athletic Giant Leading the Bucs' Offensive Line

Duke's former standout interior lineman, Graham Barton, brings exceptional athleticism and a winning mentality to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, poised to anchor a dominant offensive line in the upcoming season.

Graham Barton, the first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the first interior offensive lineman selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, possesses a rare athleticism that sets him apart. Growing up in Tennessee, Barton excelled in both football and lacrosse, a testament to his mobility and stamina.

"He could have played for us [in lacrosse] later if he wasn't getting recruited for football," said Alan Garner, Barton's former lacrosse coach at Ravenwood High. "Even at his size, at 280 or 290, no problem."

Despite his imposing size, Barton was a natural defender in lacrosse, requiring agility and endurance to cover the vast playing field. This dual-sport background contributed significantly to his exceptional athleticism, which he showcased at the NFL Combine.

Standing at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, Barton clocked an impressive 4.95 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His Relative Athletic Score, a composite measure of athletic attributes, ranked him as the third-highest ever among athletes tested at his position out of over 1,500.

Barton's athleticism transcends his physical prowess. His intelligence and toughness have made him a leader on the field, qualities that the Buccaneers were eager to add to their offensive line.

"He's the epitome of what we look for in this culture that we're building here," said general manager Jason Licht. "We're depending on him to not only lead our draft class but to lead our team."

Barton's leadership qualities and physical presence have drawn comparisons to former Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen and guard Ali Marpet. "I have a lot of work to do to even be half as good as those guys," said Barton. "But I'm excited for the opportunity."

Barton's arrival in Tampa Bay is part of a concerted effort to revamp the offensive line and bolster the running game, which has struggled in recent seasons. Alongside young and talented linemen like Luke Goedeke and Cody Mauch, Barton has the potential to be a cornerstone of a dominant unit.

His competitive spirit and relentless approach to the game are infectious. "You can only play this game so long, so why waste a snap?" said Barton. "Every rep, foot on the gas."

Off the field, Barton is a thoughtful and articulate young man who majored in public policy at Duke. His former lacrosse coach remembers him as "always a nice kid, always smiling."

As the Buccaneers embark on the 2024 season, Graham Barton stands poised to make a significant impact on both the field and in the locker room. His athleticism, leadership, and infectious enthusiasm will drive the Bucs' offensive line towards excellence and contribute to the team's success.