On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie lineman Graham Barton spoke with the media for the first time since Head Coach Todd Bowles named him the team's starting center. Barton seemed almost uncomfortable about the designation, though not because he was anxious about or unprepared for the job. Rather, he seemed to view being named a starter as the beginning of a process, not the end.
"I know they said it officially, but I think it's a role I've still got to earn every day," said Barton. "I think it's something that I'm coming in here to prove that I can do. Like I said, they had to name someone, but I still think I've got to continue to earn it, continue to earn my keep and continue to improve, because I'm still young and I've got a long way to go."
Technically, Bowles' statement on Tuesday did provide a conclusion for the training camp competition between Barton and incumbent Robert Hainsey for the starting job at the pivot. The Buccaneers definitely believed that Barton was capable of capturing that assignment as a rookie when they drafted him 26th overall out of Duke, but they never intended to simply hand him the job. Barton and Hainsey split first-team reps essentially down the middle in practices and the first two preseason games, even alternating from drive to drive during those contests. During that process, Barton was doing the same thing Hainsey did three years ago, converting from his college position of left tackle to the challenging center spot.
"Coming in in April and going through OTAs, going through camp, it's been a lot," he said. "I've had a lot on my plate mentally and physically, but I think I'm starting to adjust and starting to get a feel for the game and how everything's operating here. It's a work in progress and always will be."
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers competing with the Miami Dolphins during joint practices on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Buccaneers flag during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jalen Ramsey during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jalen Ramsey during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Running Back D.J. Williams #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tua Tagovailoa and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a cake for Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers birthday during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a cake for Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers birthday during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a cake for Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers birthday during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers birthday cake during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a cake for Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers birthday during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Flag during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Buccaneers Legend Derrick Brooks and Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Earnest Brown #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Producer Miles Royal during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 21, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cake during joint practice against the Miami Dolphins at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
But Barton showed the Buccaneers were hoping to see, particularly in how well he moved defenders in the ground game to create running lanes for the running backs. Through two games the Bucs are averaging an encouraging 4.42 yards per carry, which would represent a massive improvement over last season if they can carry that into the games that count.
"I think run-blocking is sort of how I made a name for myself in college, and I think it will be something that I will continue [to do]. I know it's my strong suit. I think the biggest difference from tackle back into center is pass-blocking. I think it's something I've got to continue to work on, something I've got to continue to get better at – hands and feet and things like that. Good angles and when to use certain sets against certain guys, and how to read defensive linemen – things like that. That's going to take some time and I got better through camp and definitely will continue to do that through the season."
Barton may also have been showing some deference to Hainsey, who has started 34 games for the Bucs over the last two seasons and has been a very valuable mentor for Barton while also serving as his competitor.
"Since the day I got here, Rob's been amazing to me," said Barton. "We have a great relationship. I have nothing but respect for Rob. He's a hell of a football player and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with Rob. I'm just really appreciative of his leadership and his maturity and the way he works. Rob's been awesome; I can't say enough good things about him. I just appreciate and I'm looking forward to continuing to compete with him and learn from him. That goes for the whole offensive line really, just how great people have been, and inclusive. We've got a great group and I'm excited for this year."
