Despite being drafted as a tackle, Graham Barton will transition to the center position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team has high hopes for Barton in the 2024 season, and they have already accomplished one of their goals by signing him to a rookie contract.
Barton officially signed his rookie contract on Thursday, securing a four-year deal with guaranteed money and a fifth-year option for 2028. The Buccaneers have now completed the signing of all their 2024 draft picks.
The decision to move Barton to center marks the first time the Bucs have used a first-round pick on an interior blocker since 2006. With the team looking to solidify their offensive line, Barton is expected to step into the starting lineup from the beginning of the season.
The Bucs faced challenges at the center position during the 2022 season when Ryan Jensen was sidelined with a knee injury. Now retired, Jensen’s absence paved the way for players like Robert Hainsey to fill the role. However, with Hainsey’s contract expiring soon, Barton is set to take over the center position for Tampa Bay.
Although Barton primarily played left tackle in college, his transition to center is a strategic move by the Buccaneers. With his experience in both positions, Barton is expected to bring an upgrade to the interior offensive line.
As the Bucs look to secure a long-term solution at center, they hope Barton can fill that role for years to come. Here is a breakdown of the Tampa Bay draft class for 2024:
- Round 1, No. 26: Graham Barton (OL, Duke) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington) (signed)
