The Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately needed to find a replacement for their elite center, Ryan Jensen, who missed all but the Wild Card during the 2022 season and every game during the 2023 season.
The Buccaneers tried their luck replacing Jensen with former 3rd-round pick Robert Hainsey but to no avail. Hainsey had a decent 2022 campaign, playing 17 games and starting 17, with 20 pressures, 13 hurries, seven hits, zero sacks allowed, and a 66.7 PFF grade. He posted a 60.9 run-blocking grade and a 73.0 pass-blocking grade per PFF.
Hainsey struggled in 2023, playing 17 games and starting 17, with 27 pressures, 21 hurries, two hits, four sacks allowed, and a 52.8 PFF grade. He posted a 53.0 run-blocking grade and a 60.8 pass-blocking grade per PFF.
Now that Jensen officially retired this offseason, the Buccaneers drafted a possible replacement.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1st Round Pick Received First-Team Reps at This Position 1 NFL Combine, Graham Barton](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22671050-scaled.jpg)
The Buccaneers drafted Graham Barton 26th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Barton played the last six games and started five at center in his freshman season. He would then convert to left tackle, playing 34 games and starting 34 in his last three seasons.
Scouts viewed him as a center due to his size and measurements.
He received first-team reps.
Graham Barton received first-team reps
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1st Round Pick Received First-Team Reps at This Position 2 Duke Blue Devils, Graham Barton](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_21893864-scaled.jpg)
Barton received first-team reps at center during mandatory minicamp. Hainsey also received first-team reps as well.
Their head coach gave an update on how Barton is faring at center.
Todd Bowles gave an update on Graham Barton’s progress
![REPORT: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1st Round Pick Received First-Team Reps at This Position 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Bowles](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22631308.webp)
“It’s a heavy load, especially after playing tackle for three years and having to go against a defense that does a lot of things,” Bowles said. “So this will be a good baptism for him as far as getting ready for the season. I think he’s learned a lot. I think he’s eager to get in pads and show what he can do physically, and he’s a smart guy.”
Will Barton win the starting center job?