Bucs Gameday

NFL positional rankings include promising outlook for Buccaneers' starter

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense is earning buzz leading up to the season.
Jeremy Brener|
Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a strong offensive line, which is anchored by second-year center Graham Barton.

Barton was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Duke, and he started 16 games in his rookie season.

Pro Football Focus writer Mason Cameron ranked all 32 starting centers, and Barton came in at No. 21.

READ MORE: Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans named top NFL duo

Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Graham Barton gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Graham Barton gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Barton below average in center ranking

"While Barton’s rookie season didn’t culminate in an excellent grading profile, he showcased a solid foundation. In his second season at just 24 years old, the Buccaneers center will be hoping to build on his ability as a pass protector, where he allowed just a single sack across 640 pass sets in 2024," Cameron wrote.

The centers that ranked below Barton were Cade Mays (Carolina Panthers), Robert Hainsey (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jake Brendel (San Francisco 49ers), Garrett Bradbury (New England Patriots), John Michael Schmitz Jr. (New York Giants), Bradley Bozeman (Los Angeles Chargers), Jarrett Patterson (Houston Texans), Ryan Neuzil (Atlanta Falcons), Tanor Bartolini (Indianapolis Colts), Olu Oluwatimi (Seattle Seahawks) and rookie Tate Ratledge (Detroit Lions).

Barton is still coming into his own in the NFL, and he is working with his second offensive coordinator in as many seasons. However, he has room for growth and could move up higher on this list with a strong showing in 2025.

Barton is set to participate in next week's mandatory minicamp at the team's practice facility.

READ MORE: Buccaneers set to face Aaron Rodgers at joint practice

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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