“I Finish Blocks. That Will Never Change”

April 26th, 2024

Rookie Bucs center Graham Barton, their 2024 first-round pick.

The Bucs’ new politician center said all the right things tonight.

Graham Barton did a Zoom call/FaceTime with the Bucs pen and mic club this evening after the Bucs made him their first-round pick of the 2024 draft.

Barton either was tipped off by the Bucs or some other team that he was an NFL center. Because he said he’s been snapping the football for the past couple of months while working out.

Still, Barton touted his ability to play all over the front line. At times he almost sounded like playing center was just the beginning. Don’t be shocked, he said, if he plays guard or perhaps even tackle before his Bucs days are over.

Barton believes his versatility to play up and down the line and his athletic ability, honed by playing lacrosse, was a major selling point to the Bucs.

Still, Barton said, he’s a wet-behind-the-ears rookie and he said he knows his place.

“I have to earn their respect,” Barton said of his new teammates.

As for being Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht’s favorite kind of lineman, nasty, Barton didn’t deny it but he didn’t talk it up much either.

“I finish blocks,” Barton said. “That will never change.”

Spoken like a true senator, eeerrr, rookie center.

Barton’s introductory press conference from One Buc Palace will be this afternoon at 2 p.m.

12 Responses to ““I Finish Blocks. That Will Never Change””

  1. Dave Pear Says:

    Please keep Logan’s Hall away from our new center in practices.

    Please.

  2. Austing Says:

    Just imagine if Jensen didn’t get hurt, Brady would of had such a better year

  3. Mr_Barf Says:

    Barton ain’t no Fink…he is an smasher.

  4. SlyPirate Says:

    The Bucs could have traded down with Barton and JPJ still on the board.

  5. Shane Callahan Says:

    Disagree. Barton would’ve been snatched up before we got another chance at him. Love the pick!

  6. Esteban85 Says:

    Kid seems well coached on and off the field. Looks like a very solid pick. If he can’t beat out Hainsey then we will know much sooner than later about this pick. Hell I think Bradeson could’ve beaten young Hainsey out of the center job given the chance

  7. David Says:

    Love the attitude. Need a center who is nasty and intelligent. He is both.

  8. David Says:

    Slypirate

    Traded down with who?
    Everyone always acts like it’s so easy to give away the future to trade up for one person or trade down and gather up a bunch of picks

    It’s a great pick, a guy worthy of the first round, and fills a massive need that makes the entire offense better

  9. stpetebucfan Says:

    David

    Excellent points. Are you the same David who used to post that crap or this guy who posts thoughtfully?

  10. 74 Bucs Fan Says:

    Licht said there were several teams wanting to trade up, but they jumped quickly on Barton. That’ll tell you everything you need to know about their draft priority.

    Excellent pick! I was sweating the Kool Aid thing and was thrilled when Chop went off the board. Personally, I want Trey Benson at RB and a LG – then whatever else is fine. Focus on the run game! You want to see our offense open up and our WRs go nuts- fix the run game. Put the D on their heals. No more pinning their ears back. Balanced attack. See San Fran. THAT is how you play ball!

  11. D-Rok Says:

    Logical and reasonable selection by Licht et al. Good player. Our O line just improved…or at least we all hope and pray it did.

  12. Noclu4u Says:

    Now trade up and get Jackson Powers Johnson . Put Barton at guard and Johnson at center. Lol
    Seriously, this is a great pick . Now go get a linebacker. I fully expect ya ya to have 13 sacks next season. Get RB in the 3rd .