Bucs first-round pick Graham Burton admitted Friday that this will be his first trip to Tampa. He’s in a new city with a new team and everything is right in front of him.burton has a little familiarity But in his new situation. He was once an enemy, but now he is a teammate.
Graham Burton spent four years at Duke and played in the ACC. A season ago, the Bucs spent a lot of draft money on players from the same conference, taking Pittsburgh’s Kariyah Kanci in the first round, Sarvosia Dennis in the fifth round and Louisville’s edge rusher. Yaya Diaby In the third round, he led the Bucs with 7.5 sacks last year.
Graham Burton talks about facing Yahya Diaby
Bucks OL Graham Burton – Photo courtesy of Duke
Barton played tackle for most of his career at Duke, and although he never played against Cuncey or Dennis, he played against Diaby a few seasons ago when the Blue Devils faced Diaby’s Louisville Cardinals. I definitely remember what I did.
“I played with Diaby my sophomore year and he was a left tackle my freshman year,” Graham Burton said. “It wasn’t a lot of fun. Yeah, he’s very good, so I’m glad he’s on my team. I think this speaks to the ACC and the amount of talent in that league. Really talented. You play against players every week, so you have to do your best every week.
“So I think the ACC is definitely a higher level league, it’s a whole different level here. [in the NFL], but definitely needed to experience some of that talent level competing in the ACC. ”
The Bucks have certainly had success with players in the ACC. Cuncey is showing signs of a major turnaround after a stellar rookie season that was only slowed by a calf injury. Diaby could be named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, and Dennis will look to quickly develop a role as an inside linebacker in addition to his special teams role. Tampa Bay appears to have found another productive ACC player in Graham Burton, who will fill in on the offensive line.
Yaya Diaby looks back on his match with Graham Burton
Bucks OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R
Speaking to Diaby about Graham Burton, he recalled how important his preparation from the brink was.
“What I remember is that he’s a dog,” Diaby said. “(I) remember scouting him before we played them, and I was like, yeah, I like him. Looks like it’s going to be a fun matchup. We lost that game to them. But I remember him being a dog. Great choice by Jason (Licht) and Coach Bowles.
Barton ready to show he’s worthy of being selected
Thankfully, Graham Barton and Yahya Diaby will only be playing against each other in training camp and practice. now, they are working For the same team, Barton couldn’t be happier to prove himself to the rest of the Bucks’ roster.
“I’m ready to work,” Barton said. “I’m ready to become.” [Buccaneer] Get to know this locker room, earn the respect of your teammates, and get to work. I’m excited to contribute to this already successful culture and take the next step.I’m excited to play in a city like Tampa Bay. [where] Football obviously means a lot to a lot of people here.
“I can’t say enough about what I’ve seen so far about Tampa Bay and this organization. I couldn’t be more excited to be here and be a part of this organization.”
