Selected by the Buccaneers as a first- round pick (26th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Was a pivotal member of a 2024 Buccaneers offense that established franchise records in completion percentage (71.5%), passer rating (106.8), rushing yards (2,536), yards per rush (5.3) and third-down conversion rate (50.9%).
Per Pro Football Focus, was 1-of-5 centers to play 1,000+ snaps and allow one-or-fewer sacks in 2024.
Started at center and played all 64 offensive snaps in his NFL debut in the Week 1 victory over the Washington Commanders. Contributed to an offensive line that generated the fifth- most net yards of offense in a season opener in franchise history (392).
Started at center and played all 48 offensive snaps in the Week 2 victory at the Detroit Lions. Contributed to an offensive line that scored on 40% of non-kneel-down drives.
Started at center in Week 3 vs. Denver, playing all 57 offensive snaps.
Started at center in the Week 4 win over Philadelphia, playing all 77 offensive snaps and contributing to an offensive line that helped generate 445 net yards of offense. The Buccaneers posted a +218 net yardage differential over the Eagles in the 33-16 win.
Started at center in Week 5 at Atlanta, playing all 53 offensive snaps and contributing to an offensive line that generated a then-season-high 160 rushing yards on an average of 6.2 yards per carry.
Was inactive for the Week 6 win over New Orleans.
Started at center and played all 82 offensive snaps in Week 7 vs. Baltimore, contributing to an offensive line that helped produce 30+ points of offense for a league-leading fifth time through the first seven weeks of the season.
Started at center and played all 73 offensive snaps in Week 8 vs. Atlanta, contributing to an offensive line that helped generate over 400 net yards of offense for the third consecutive game.
Started at center and played all 55 offensive snaps in Week 9 at Kansas City. Contributed to a Tampa Bay offense that scored 24 points — the second-most given up by the Chiefs in a game in the 2024 season at the time.
Started at center and played all 61 offensive snaps in Week 10 vs. San Francisco, contributing to an offense that rushed for over 100 yards for the sixth time in their last seven games.
Started at center in the Week 12 win at the New York Giants, playing all 65 offensive snaps and contributing to
an offensive line that produced four different touchdown rushers. In doing so, Tampa Bay became the first team to accomplish such a feat since the New York Jets on Oct. 9, 2022.
In the Week 13 win at the Carolina Panthers, started at center and played all 80 offensive snaps, contributing to an offense that generated over 200 rushing yards for the second time in the 2024 season.
Started at center in the Week 14 win over Las Vegas, playing all 62 offensive snaps and contributing to an offensive line that helped generate over 400 net yards of offense for an NFL-leading seventh time in the 2024 season.
Started at center and played all 72 offensive snaps in the Week 15 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, contributing to an offensive line that helped generate over 500 yards of offense for the second time in the 2024 season — becoming the second team to have multiple such performances in 2024.
In Week 16 at Dallas, started at center and played all 72 offensive snaps, contributing to an offensive line that helped generate over 400 net yards of offense for a league-leading ninth time in 2024.
Started at center and played all 77 offensive snaps in the Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers, contributing to an offensive line that helped produce 551 net yards of offense — the sixth- most in a single game in team history. The Buccaneers beat the Panthers 48- 14, tying the franchise record for the most points scored in a home game.
In the Week 18 win over the New Orleans Saints, started at center and played all 67 offensive snaps, contributing to an offensive line that produced over 100 rushing yards for the eighth straight game and for the 14th time in 18 games.
Started at center in the Wild Card round against the Washington Commanders, playing all 48 offensive snaps and contributing to an offense that produced over 100 rushing yards and a passer rating of 146.5.
Appeared in 40 career games, making 39 starts, for Duke University (2020- 23). He started 34 games at left tackle and five games at center.
Was a two-time recipient of Duke's Offensive Lineman of the Year Award during the 2022-23 seasons.
As a senior in 2023, started nine games at left tackle. Received second- team All-America honors and first- team All-ACC honors after anchoring an offensive line that produced 2,174 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns — tied for the fifth-most in program history.
During his junior season in 2022, started all 13 games at left tackle and received first-team All-ACC recognition after contributing to an offensive line that helped produce 32.8 points per game — the highest mark in program history dating back to 1996.
As a sophomore in 2021, started 12 games at left tackle and contributed to an offensive line that helped produce 180.3 rushing yards per game — good for the fourth-highest mark in program history dating back to 1996.
Appeared in six games, making five starts — all at center — as a freshman in 2020. Received second-team freshman All-America honors.
Attended Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, Tenn.).
In addition to playing football, was a standout lacrosse player growing up.
Participated in the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl.
Led his team to a 13-2 record and an appearance in the 2019 6A state championship game as a senior. Subsequently received All-State honors.
Coming out of high school, was the No. 41 offensive guard in the 2020 class and the No. 19 recruit in the state of Tennessee (No. 4 offensive lineman).
Interned at the Raleigh office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis during the summer of 2023.
Is the son of Philip and Heather Barton.
Majored in Public Policy.
