Bucs ESPN Re-Draft Weirdly Questions Bucky and Barton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 11:20 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a solid 2024 season, with Todd Bowles' team again winning the division and making the playoffs.

While the ultimate goal wasn't achieved, there is plenty to build on, especially with the 2024 draft class.

Graham Barton had a solid first season as Baker Mayfield's center, and while he was first in penalties (13) among centers, he only allowed one sack. But would the Buccaneers draft him in the first round again?

ESPN's Jenna Laine has the franchise switching it up, taking Bucky Irving, who was a fourth-round selection, in the first round at No. 24.

"The Bucs arguably got the steal of the draft by snagging Irving in the fourth round, so why not take him here? He led all rookies in scrimmage yards (1,514) and rushing yards (1,122)," Laine writes. "Both of those totals ranked 10th most among all non-quarterbacks. His value was particularly felt when Chris Godwin (ankle) was lost for the season after Week 7 and Mike Evans (hamstring) missed three games."

Irving had a blistering rookie campaign, eventually overtaking Rachaad White as RB1, and totaled 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns along with 392 receiving yards to be a proper dual-threat for the Buccaneers' attack.

But we are a bit confused here.

The Bucs think Graham Barton is a stud at center, and the numbers back that up. So they don't have any reason to want a "re-do.''

Meanwhile, why would the Buccaneers want to draft Bucky Irving in the first round at No. 24 when they spent a far cheaper price to get the exact same guy for incredible value way down in the fourth round?

Maybe we don't understand how ESPN is playing this game.

Anyway ... Now, if the rest of the NFL knew what they know now, there's a real chance that Bucky wouldn't make it to No. 24, but in this scenario, he does, and Tampa Bay gets full first-round value out of Irving.

And we imagine that he wouldn't be fighting for snaps with White, the starting role would be his from Day 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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