In the Draft Room (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, Fla. – In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked Graham Barton, a standout offensive lineman from Duke University.
With his impressive skills, tenacity, and athleticism, Barton has caught the attention of both fans and experts alike.
Born in Brentwood, TN, Barton’s passion for football developed at an early age. He honed his skills and showcased his talent as a member of the Duke Blue Devils football team. In 2020, Barton played in the final six games of the season, stepping up as a center due to injuries on the offensive line.
The following year, Barton secured a starting position as a left tackle and started all 12 games for the Blue Devils. His exceptional performance earned him the distinction of being named a first-team All-ACC player.
Barton continued to excel in 2022, starting in all 13 games and once again earning the honor of being a first-team All-ACC player.
Barton’s Playing Style and Strengths
Barton’s playing style is characterized by his tenacity, technique, and athleticism. As an offensive lineman, he possesses the bend, core strength, and technique of an NFL starter.
Barton’s patient yet firm approach allows him to explode into blocks, running his feet to secure his position. His exceptional body control and strong claws enable him to fit and finish blocks with precision.
In addition to his prowess as a drive blocker, Barton showcases his skills as a second-level climber. With his fluidity and adjustments to targets in space, he is highly effective in the screen game.
Barton’s pass sets are clean, with a broad base and twitchy hands. He counters rush movements with a well-postured mirror and sticky hands, showcasing his ability to handle pass rushers effectively.
Areas for Improvement
While Barton possesses numerous strengths, there are also areas for improvement in his game. One notable aspect is his arm length, which falls slightly below the NFL standard for his position. This could pose occasional challenges, particularly when redirecting opponents after being beaten.
Barton also needs to guard against lunging when blocking at the second level. While his technique is generally solid, he occasionally relies on his arms to corral escaping defenders, which may result in penalties.
These are areas that he can work on to further elevate his performance with the Bucs.
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