With the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Graham Barton, a first-team All-ACC player who projects as a solid NFL starter at either tackle or center. In 2023, Barton started nine games and missed four contests due to a lower-body injury after making all 25 starts during his sophomore and junior seasons.

At 6’5,” 313 pounds, the experienced Barton figures to challenge for a starting spot right away. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Barton garnered the highest production (81) and overall (90) scores among all centers. NFL Next Gen Stats graded Barton as an elite prospect, while his prospect grade of 6.46 signals that he is likely to be an above-average starter pretty quickly.

Despite lacking in athleticism compared to some of the other top offensive lineman prospects, Barton’s blend of experience, durability, and results bode well for his chances of succeeding at the next level. Although Barton obviously is a non-factor in fantasy leagues being that he plays offensive tackle, he figures to raise the floor of quarterback Baker Mayfield, even if only slightly.