Buccaneers First-Round Pick Takes Pride in Physicality

It was just a preseason game, sure. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Saturday’s contest between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals was the first opportunity for Bucs’ first-round pick Graham Barton to see live game action vs. an NFL opponent.

Barton didn’t play the entire game, but when he was on the field, he was impressive.

Looks like it really could not have gone any better for Barton in his debut.

Gets on the Nose to free Bredeson to work to 2nd level. Great vertical push.

Feels good enough to help Mauch on the LB at the 2nd level. pic.twitter.com/XdchFP8sEv
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 11, 2024

After the game, Barton took a few minutes to reflect on his first NFL game experience.

“Surreal being out there. Surreal putting on a Bucs uniform and getting out there with my teammates. You know, just excited for what the future holds. I think it was a promising first week.”

Although Barton acknowledged that things went well, he also made a point of emphasizing that there is much work to be done.

“Working on communicating and trying to be that center of communication for our team, for our offensive line. So I think I did a good job tonight. I think you know, obviously I have got a lot of things to continue to improve on. Continue to sharpen up. And just continue to be more consistent and chase that every day.”

Another encouraging sign from this first preseason game was the success the Buccaneers had running the football. It’s something they’ve struggled with mightily in recent years, and according to Barton, it’s something this year’s team will take pride in.

“We’re going to take pride in our rushing attack. We’re going to take pride in being more physical than our opponent. I think that’s got to be the identity for our offensive line," Barton said. "We’ve got to be violent at the point of attack, we’ve got to move people off the ball, and be able to set up our pass game. I think we showed glimpses of that tonight and that we’re going to be able to do that hopefully. So that’s going to be something we’re going to continue to build on.”

Again, it’s very early, but it appears as though Tampa Bay’s first-round pick is saying and doing all the right things. His attitude, physicality, athleticism, and intelligence — all of which were on display during the team’s first preseason game — should go a long way toward improving the Bucs’ offensive line play in 2024.

Stick with BucsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout training camp.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Starting Wide Receiver Signs With Baltimore Ravens

• Buccaneers Drop First Depth Chart of 2024

• Defense Could Hold Bucs' Biggest Position Battle in Training Camp

• Bucs CB Bryce Hall Enjoying Being Part of Team 'Brotherhood'