With the 26th pick in the POD Community Mock, the Buccaneers select…
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are up in our 2024 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, where you—the commenters—get to make the picks for each team.
The Buccaneers were one of many teams who saw their season end at the hands of the Detroit Lions . And with an NFC South still very much in turmoil, the Buccaneers have as good of a shot as any team to repeat as the winner of the division.
To help them get back, commenter Xlgrev is acting as the Bucs general manager. Before we get into the 26th overall pick, you can see the previous 25 picks with our 2024 POD Community Mock tracker.
With the 26th pick in the POD Community Mock Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Graham Barton, interior offensive lineman out of Duke.
Here’s Xlgrev explaining the pick:
“The cool Detroit spring breeze would have felt refreshing in the heated Bucs war room in the upper reaches of the Atheneum Suite Hotel. The conflicting voices rattled Jason Licht’s concentration as the ever present countdown clock felt like an albatross pulling him towards the depths of failure. Trade back, get Baker Mayfield’s successor. Get a receiver to pair with Mike Evans. We need a defensive back in the worst way after trading Carlton Davis. We are one injury away from starting Logan Stenberg. Our window is now, we need someone to help us win now. Trust your gut…trust your gut…trust your gut. ‘We are taking Graham Barton—send it in,’ Jason said confidently.
“Todd Bowles look of disappointment was quick and unnoticed by most. He then clapped his hands and said, ‘Great pick! This kid is a beast and would cut off a toe if it meant his running back got one more yard or his quarterback had another fraction of a second to throw.’
“Liam Coen couldn’t suppress his smile. Graham Barton was the missing link for the offense that he planned to run in Tampa. The most versatile offensive lineman in the draft is extremely athletic. He can maul, plow a path, and pull outside to block downfield. His strength and quickness weaves an iron tapestry that stonewalls anyone trying to get in the backfield. All the negative traits such as short arms and a tick slow off the snap would be lessened by a move to the interior of the offensive line. But he could still play tackle when needed.
“Graham Barton answered the phone, it was Coach Bowles on the other end explaining that Graham was going to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Barton grinned and told his new coach he would outwork everyone to be the best offensive lineman in the league and would do whatever it takes to help Tampa Bay win.
“Bowles hung up the phone feeling better and better about his GM’s selection with every passing second.”