In 2024, Buccaneers' rookie center Graham Barton helped anchor an offensive line that ignited the club's balanced attack. Tampa Bay became the first team in NFL history to complete 70%-or-more of their passes and average over 5.0 yards per rush attempt in the same season. Barton, the Bucs' first-round pick out of Duke, tied for fourth in fewest sacks allowed among centers in 2024 with Miami's Aaron Brewer and Buffalo's Connor McGovern at 2.0.
"I liked the steadiness that Graham Barton showed as a rookie," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "Playing one of the toughest spots on the field, going against a Pro Bowler almost every week and just doing his job and coming to work every day with a lunch pail attitude. Making blitz adjustments and stunt adjustments aren't easy for a first-year center."
Barton split first-team reps with incumbent Robert Hainsey during the summer and won the starting job. He showcased his ability to move defenders in the run game during the preseason, creating lanes for rushers. For the Blue Devils, Barton fortified the line as a three-year starter at left tackle. He accumulated 34 starts over his final three seasons manning the left side, earning All-America honors in 2023. Barton lined up at center in 2020 (430 snaps), which garnered freshman All-America recognition, and he reverted back to center during rookie minicamp in Tampa Bay following the draft. From setting protections, identifying blitzers and looking at safety depth to triggering the other linemen on their assignments in the trenches, Barton assumed the responsibility with ease. He made a smooth transition, sparking the Bucs' screen game and counter gap runs with blocks in space.
"The physicality, the way he's able to run block and move people inside while also getting on the perimeter and helping us out in the screen game," noted Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen. "Obviously, being the type of person that he is – it's not easy to communicate in our system, it's just not. He has to do a ton, and it's a credit to the guys that are coaching him. Like I said about 'B-Mac' (Bryan McClendon) and those wideouts, same thing with those coaches that are coaching them, with 'Carbs' (Kevin Carberry) and [Brian] Picucci, but also his work ethic. Hainsey being involved in that kind of maturation process, as well – I think he would be the first one to tell you that it's a lot of work, but it kind of takes a village when it comes to that."
Barton was effective at generating push to create A-gap runs and showcased his skills as a second-level climber. The technically-sound lineman spurred the run game on pulls and his efficient pass sets sparked success. Barton's athleticism, body control, leg drive and tenacity created a stout wall at the line of scrimmage.
"The game slowed down for him with the communication with everybody up front, getting guys on the same page," stated Baker Mayfield. "You can tell the game has slowed down for him. His head is not spinning and so he's able to get really detailed in, fundamentally sound, whether it's pass sets or run blocking – the footwork on that. You can tell he's come a long way."
