“Freakish” Graham Barton
August 9th, 2025
Bucs sophomore center Graham Barton has looked bigger and stronger this summer.
He seems destined for improvement, which is impressive considering he was an above average starting center last season as a rookie adjusting to a new position.
The former Duke left tackle (he played very little center in college) has the attention of his quarterback, who spoke about him with reverence Thursday on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Baker Mayfield clearly has a ton of respect for Barton.
“A guy that hadn’t played center before,coming from college was a left tackle, being able to snap it accurately, then block some of these three techniques and shades that are in the NFL now. That’s a tough task and it’s a lot of mental work, too,” Mayfield said. “It’s a lot to throw at a young guy and he’s handled it so, so well. Just unbelievably athletic up front, smart, gets guys on the same page, but then you get the outside zone [runs]. Some of the stuff when you get him out in space,that’s freakish talent is what he has.”
On the same broadcast, Bucky Irving noted he never questions Barton and the offensive line. Many running backs will question the line and want it to adjust.
Irving said he has 100 percent trust and then lets his instincts “kick in.”
Mayfield chimed in to say Irving is always in the right spot, even if a play isn’t blocked perfectly, which Mayfield called a testament to his preparation — and the linemen appreciate it.
“That’s all footwork, timing, reps on the schemes that we’re doing. And [Bucky] does a great job of that,” Mayfield said.