Graham Barton is headed to Tampa Bay.
The former star offensive lineman for the Blue Devils was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft Thursday night. Barton is the first Duke player to be drafted since 2021, and he is the first Blue Devil selected in the first round since quarterback Daniel Jones was taken 6th overall by the New York Giants in 2019.
Barton spent four seasons in Durham, playing 2,665 snaps and evolving from a freshman standout at center to an All-American left tackle by his senior season. The Brentwood, Tenn., native was named to the All-ACC first team in each of his final two seasons, serving as the anchor for a Duke offensive line that helped lead the program to consecutive bowl victories.
The 6-foot-5 lineman was able to prove his elite athleticism during the pre-draft process, with his times and measurements amalgamating to an incredible 9.99 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10.00 — the second best of any offensive guard prospect since 1987. While Barton did not participate in on-field testing at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, he impressed scouts from all 32 NFL teams at the program’s pro day in late March. His unofficially timed 4.84-second 40-yard-dash and 7.34-second three-cone drill were highlights of the performance.
Along with his athleticism and strong technique, NFL teams were likely attracted by Barton’s versatility, as he played at center, guard and tackle at different points in his Duke career. While many evaluators see him as an interior lineman at the professional level, his ability to play all five positions in the trenches certainly helped him move up the draft boards.
As a first-rounder, Barton automatically receives a four-year contract with a fifth-year option that the Buccaneers can decide whether to exercise prior to the lineman’s fourth professional season.
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