There's a reason why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were thrilled when Graham Barton fell to No. 26 in the NFL Draft. They had no decision to make—Barton was a Buccaneer.
He has everything. The Bucs are getting a future Pro Bowl center with the positional versatility to line up across the offensive line. Barton is one of the best athletes in the rookie class, with a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score at the center position.
Per PFF, Barton has played 692 pass-blocking snaps since the start of 2022, allowing only 21 pressures and four sacks. He now moves to a position that better suits his skill set. The sky is the limit.
Talent and athleticism count for nothing if a player doesn't have the right attitude. Fortunately for the Bucs, he earns A+ grades there, too.
Buccaneers first-rounder Graham Barton skips his graduation to attend rookie minicamp
Speaking to reporters at rookie minicamp, Barton revealed that he is missing his Duke graduation to attend the Buccaneers' rookie minicamp.
"So, I'm done at Duke. My graduation is tomorrow, but I'm here. Graduation is overrated," Barton joked on Saturday. "First-world problems, right? Graduation or rookie minicamp in the NFL. I'll deal with it. I think I'll be fine."
Bucs first round draft pick Graham Barton won’t be attending his Duke graduation tomorrow because he’s at rookie minicamp. He laughed and said, “Graduation’s overrated…first-world problems.” pic.twitter.com/f35cRmsQKq
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) May 11, 2024
He had a great sense of humor and perspective about it. While it's a shame he didn't get to celebrate his graduation, Barton is just thrilled to have such an incredible opportunity to begin preparations for year one with the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay's offensive line has huge upside in 2024.
Three-time Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs is one of the best left tackles in football, and the Bucs have the right side figured out with former second-round pick Luke Goedeke. Barton now steps in and gives them another potential Pro Bowler at center, assuming that's where he ends up playing.