TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Graham Barton, was introduced to the media Friday.
Barton joined Bucs’ general Florida manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowls for a press conference at the team’s AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa.
The Bucs selected Barton with the 26th pick, bringing in a player Licht compared to former Bucs stars Ali Marpet and Ryan Jensen.
“He’s got the tools to do it all,” Licht told the media following the selection of Barton. “He’s a very athletic guy, he plays with a great base, he plays with good anchor, and he plays with a nasty temperament.”
Barton, who is expected to take over at center for the Bucs, said he’s excited to get in the building and meet his teammates.
“Being the young guy, I’ve got to come in and earn their respect, but I’m looking forward to building relationships with them, becoming friends with them, becoming teammates with them,” Barton said. “I’m just excited. [There are] a lot of great pieces on that offense and hopefully I can add to that.”
The second day of the 2024 NFL Draft will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday. Tampa currently holds pick No. 57 in the second round and picks No. 89 overall and No. 92 overall in the third round.
