One of the great things about the NFL Draft is that virtually every fan, from the die-hard to the casual, has an opinion on what their team ultimately does. That was certainly the case with Tampa Bay fans after the Buccaneers drafted Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton with the 26th pick in the first round on Thursday night.
It is always great to see the behind-the-scenes video of the phone call from a team to a draft prospect telling him that he is their pick and that his NFL dream has been realized. Not long after Barton's selection, the Buccaneers shared that video of Barton. Tampa fans certainly enjoyed the video and based on their comments on social media, they are excited about the pick.
The moment @grahambarton53 gets the life-changing call from Tampa Bay ☎️#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/XkdZ0eDGfB
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 26, 2024
It’s moments like these where dreams come true, welcome to Tampa and to the Krewe again @grahambarton53 🙏🎉🏴☠️
— CHAMPA BAY (@bucsnationx210) April 26, 2024
Chills every time I see one of these videos. Seeing dreams come true in real time is an amazing joy to see. Welcome @grahambarton53!
— Djon Mustard. The ‘D’ is silent. (@M1K3EvansTD) April 26, 2024
He's coachable! First person he hugged was his mom.
— Zimmy (@zimmy1998) April 26, 2024
Barton then shared via the Buccaneers' official X account a short video introducing himself to Tampa fans and sharing his excitement. Tampa fans were happy to hear from their newest offensive lineman.
Perfect pick!
— BuccaneerMick (@BuccaneerMick) April 26, 2024
Welcome young man - let’s go mow some dudes over
I know @Chaad_1 and @bakermayfield are licking their chops right now pic.twitter.com/vX4bNeGHNA
This was the pick I was hoping for! Let's go Graham! Let's go Bucs!
— Justin saewert (@JSaewert) April 26, 2024
This was my dream pick. I xant believe 25 teams passed up on this stud! Welcome big fella! GO BUCS!!
— Matthew Melnick (@Melnickthegreat) April 26, 2024
Not all Tampa fans were on board with this pick, though. Some fans expressed their displeasure on X right after the pick.
Wtf WHy that makes no sense. We have no defense
— AB Rey (@krazie4lokos) April 26, 2024
Jackson powers was there
— Bavarian Sports Fan🇩🇪 (@TheBavarianGuy7) April 26, 2024
Stupid pick
— Wise1ent (@Wise1ent_) April 26, 2024
As for the experts and analysts, many were high on the pick. In fact, most were glowing in their praise of what Tampa did. Even Nick Saban said that Barton could be a star in the NFL.
Nick Saban on #Bucs 1st Rd Pick Graham Barton: “Played C, G LT. He could be a 10-12 year Center with multiple ProBowls.” #WeAreTheKrewe | @grahambarton53 pic.twitter.com/kMPe91KYcG
— AllThingsBucs (@AllThingsTBbucs) April 26, 2024
Graham Barton is a certified beast. I honestly have no clue how he made it to 26. This was the easiest pick of Jason Licht’s career next to Mike Evans. Had to trade up a spot for Wirfs. Every Bucs fan should be ecstatic. Potential perennial All-Pro at G/C. pic.twitter.com/eJyauu2TQ2
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 26, 2024
Graham Barton will be a star in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers got arguably the best IOL in the draft.#NFLDraft | #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/RCFL3h1jWm
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) April 26, 2024
Buccaneers select Graham Barton, C, Duke. They just selected a perennial Pro Bowl iOL. You take him 10 out of 10 times over JPJ.
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) April 26, 2024
Barton is a FREAK athlete. I never dreamed of him being available at 26 and I have stated he is the only iOL I would take in the first round. pic.twitter.com/Hf1lJ62UeC
Barton played numerous positions along the offensive line at Duke. However, he will be playing center for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht compared Barton to some of the best Buccaneer offensive linemen of all time.
Bucs GM Jason Licht said Graham Barton reminds him and several others of Ali Marpet, he’s got some Ryan Jensen in him too, with the personality of Tristan Wirfs. Doesn’t get much better than that. pic.twitter.com/7jB0A2wY9E
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 26, 2024
Duke fans certainly will be keeping an eye on Barton's career in the NFL. Right off the bat, it appears that Barton is going to be a welcomed addition in Tampa Bay.