Graham Barton Has History With New Bucs Teammate

While Barton didn’t have a specific moment against Kancey or Dennis having played tackle for most of his Duke career, he certainly remembers facing Diaby a couple of seasons ago when the Blue Devils matched up with Diaby’s Louisville Cardinals.

“I did play Diaby my sophomore year, my first year at left tackle,” Graham Barton said. “Wasn’t super fun. Yeah, he’s pretty good, so I’m glad he’s on my team. I just think it speaks to the ACC and the amount of talent in that league. It’s every week you’re playing really talented players and you’ve got to bring your best every week.

“So I think the ACC is definitely a league that is obviously, it’s an entirely different level here [in the NFL], but, definitely got to experience some of that talent level and in competition in the ACC.”

The Bucs have certainly found success with their ACC players, as Kancey has major upside following a great rookie season that was only slowed down by a calf injury. Diaby also had a case to be defensive rookie of the year in 2023, while Dennis will soon look to carve out a role at inside linebacker in addition to playing a role on special teams. Tampa Bay looks to have found another productive ACC player in Graham Barton, who will step in and start on the offensive line.

Yaya Diaby Recalls The Matchup With Graham Barton

Speaking to Diaby about Graham Barton, he remembers how important the preparation was going against him off of the edge.

“What I do remember is that he is a dog,” Diaby said. “(I) remember scouting him before playing them and I was like yeah, I like him. Going to be a fun matchup. That game went left for them, but I remember him being a dog. Great pick by Jason (Licht) and Coach Bowles.”

Barton Ready To Show He’s Worth The Pick

Thankfully, Graham Barton and Yaya Diaby will only battle against each other in training camp and practice. Now, they’re working for the same side and Barton couldn’t be happier to prove himself to the rest of the Bucs roster.

“I’m ready to work,” Barton said. “I’m ready to be a [Buccaneer] and get to know this locker room and kind of earn the respect of my teammates and just get to work.  I’m excited to contribute to this already-winning culture and take that next step. I’m excited to play in a city like Tampa Bay [where] football clearly means a lot to a lot of people down here.

“I can’t say enough about what I’ve seen so far of Tampa Bay and this organization. I could not be more excited to be here and a part of this organization.”