With rookie center Graham Barton officially named the Bucs’ starter, it’s a role he may fill for a long time. Still, Barton views the announcement like a true veteran. Not a guarantee, but something he’ll have to earn every day, at every practice and every game.

He spoke about his role after training with the Dolphins on Wednesday and received support from quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, two players who have watched his development closely.

Graham Barton is “slowly getting a feel for the game” and wants to earn a living

Bucs C Graham Barton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

A day after Bucs head coach Todd Bowles announced Graham Barton as the team’s starting center, it was no surprise that Barton responded modestly. After hearing from him at several press conferences during the offseason, it was easy to see why Tampa Bay valued his skills so much and decided to draft him 26th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Barton is a very intelligent football player who the team believed could seamlessly transition to interior defense after playing primarily as a college tackle at Duke. That’s something general manager Jason Licht has done with many offensive lineman selections during his tenure, and the 22-year-old is following that trend, knowing he’ll have to prove his worth.

“Coming in April, going through OTAs and going through camp, it was a lot,” Barton said of moving to center. “I’ve had a lot to do, mentally and physically, but I think I’m starting to adjust and get a feel for the game and how everything works here. It’s an ongoing process and always will be.”

“I know they’ve officially said it, but I think it’s a role that I have to earn every day. I still think I’m coming here to prove that I can do it. I know they had to name someone, but I still think it’s just about earning it and making a living and continuing to improve because I’m still young and I’ve got a long way to go.”

Bucs OL Graham Barton – Photo courtesy of Duke

Barton compiled pretty much the college resumeand not just because he studied political science and won awards all four seasons. He started 39 games and excelled as a run blocker. The Blue Devils ran for 2,174 yards and 26 touchdowns last year, mostly on the left side behind their 6’5″ and 300-pound offensive lineman.

While this may continue to be Barton’s trademark in the NFL, he knows he needs to improve his pass blocking skills.

“I think I made a name for myself in college with run blocking and I think that’s going to continue to be my strength,” Barton added. “The biggest difference (moving from) tackle back (to) center is pass blocking. I think that’s something I’ll have to continue to work on and just keep getting better at.”

“Good hands and feet and stuff like that, good angles, when to use certain positions against different guys, how to read defensive linemen, stuff like that. It’s going to take some time, but I think I’ve gotten better through camp and I’ll definitely continue to do that throughout the season.”

Baker Mayfield: Graham Barton is “extremely explosive”

Baker Mayfield remains dissatisfied But at the start of this season, he must be happy that the Bucs signed Graham Barton to bolster their offensive line.

The experienced quarterback has seen how quickly his new center has embraced his role.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and C Graham Barton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I mean, center is one of the toughest positions in the sport and for a rookie, it’s a great accomplishment – and yes, he’s still learning – but the fact that he was able to communicate so well and learn so quickly, I think, is impressive, especially because he hasn’t played center in a few years.”

Mayfield worked with Barton a lot in the offseason, and now that he’s the starter, the number of reps will only increase for the rookie, seeing him improve with each snap.

“I think it’s very impressive that he made that transition and communicated the way he did that operationally,” Mayfield added. “Then, of course, he’s a first-round talent for a reason (with) the physical attributes that you see — he’s extremely explosive, he can move the line of scrimmage. He’s going to continue to improve with every rep and that’s what we’re excited about.”

Calijah Kancey thinks Graham Barton is “doing a great job”

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Defensive Tackle Calijah Kancey is back and better than ever into his second season. He felt “great” spending most of training camp on the practice field and competing every day. Kancey spent a lot of time in the offseason facing Graham Barton, and he already sees him doing his thing and being “great” himself.

“Graham definitely did a great job as a rookie, really learning the playbook and doing his thing,” Kancey said. “He’s got the physical aspect and (he) brings the mental aspect of learning the plays and the snap counts and challenging the defenses and stuff like that. I think he’s doing a great job. He’s a great competitor and a great teammate.”

What impresses Kancey most about Barton?

“Graham’s athleticism … He can move laterally,” Kancey said. “When an O-lineman can move as a defensive lineman, it’s a challenge for us. It makes us work harder.”

Graham Barton has worked hard for the opportunity to be the Bucs’ starting center, and he shouldn’t be expected to slow down or take it for granted. Barton is embracing the opportunity and the learning curve that comes with it.