Key Takeaways:
– The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed new contracts with Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, along with extensions for Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs.
– They also selected offensive lineman Graham Barton as the No. 26 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
– Barton, alongside Tristan Wirfs, is expected to strengthen Tampa Bay’s offensive line.
– Barton’s combination of youth and skill has been universally acclaimed in the football world.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Promising Offseason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding high this offseason following a successful run before the 2024 NFL Draft. Baker Mayfield, their starting quarterback, alongside veteran wide receiver and potential Hall of Famer Mike Evans, has secured fresh contracts. Further, pivotal young stars, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, are on the verge of extending their contracts.
Impressive First-Round Pick: Graham Barton
The excitement didn’t end with the extensions and new contracts. The Buccaneers made an applauded move during the 2024 NFL Draft, choosing Duke’s offensive lineman Graham Barton as the No. 26 overall pick in the first round. Widely recognized in the football community, Barton will receive a four-year contract worth $14 million.
Nate Tice from The Athletic expressed his admiration for Barton, stating, “He’s such an impressive player.” Despite the common belief that Barton would settle in the center position, Tice pontificated that Barton’s talent could secure him roles in multiple positions.
Rising Stars: Barton and Wirfs
In 2020, the Buccaneers drafted another exceptional offensive lineman, Tristan Wirfs. Since his arrival, he has had a significant impact on the team, being an instrumental part of the team’s Super Bowl victory as a rookie. Notably, he has clinched the Pro Bowler title thrice and been named NFL All-Pro twice in his four-year NFL career.
Since Ali Marpet’s retirement back in 2021, Wirfs has lacked an elite counterpart on the offensive line – a void Barton appears all set to fill. Barton being a two-time All-ACC selection, plus an Associated Press All-American in 2023, his position in the team seems promising.
High Praise for Barton
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein equated Barton with the talented Cody Whitehair, the Las Vegas Raiders center. Zierlein praised Barton, stating, “His technique, toughness, and athleticism are exactly what teams will be looking for from an early starter with Pro Bowl potential.”
ESPN NFL Draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., didn’t hold back on compliments for Barton either. According to him, Barton has the potential to instantly improve a run game that ranked 32nd last season and has “All-Pro upside at the pivot.”
Conclusion
Despite mixed feelings about the Buccaneers’ overall haul, Dane Brugler of The Athletic singled out Barton’s addition as a win. As per his views, Barton’s versatility could prove to be critical for the Buccaneers, especially in case of injuries. With a young and talented player like Graham Barton on board, it seems the future looks bright for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.