In less than a week Bucs rookie center Graham Barton will be playing his first NFL game, and he has quite the test in front of him facing a stacked Commanders’ defensive line.

After going through his first training camp and playing in the preseason, Barton feels ready for the challenge. Tampa Bay’s first-round pick spoke after Monday’s practice to Pewter Report about whether he has any jitters and how he is approaching this week’s game prep.

Graham Barton Is “Ready To Go” Against The Commanders

Graham Barton started training camp alternating snaps with Robert Hainsey. By the end of it, he was officially named the team’s starting center. Although Barton knows he has to continue earning that spot and that it will be a work in progress getting to where he wants to be, there has been noticeable growth.

Commanders DTs Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne – Photo by: USA Today

“[I’ve] definitely come a long way, just getting in there at center and competing, building chemistry with the guys, improving on communication,” Barton said. “Obviously, [there’s been] a lot of reps between six weeks ago and now, so I feel good. [I] feel ready to go. Just looking forward to diving into this game plan and getting ready for Washington.”

Facing the Commanders will be a tough test for the rookie.

Washington’s defensive line boasts two Pro Bowl defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, as well as Johnny Newton, the team’s second-round pick who the Bucs nearly drafted. Barton knows that facing two of the best defensive tackles in the league who are in their prime will not be easy.

“Obviously, we know where they’re talented at,” Barton added. “Those two interior d-tackle spots are definitely two really good players. [I have] a lot of respect for what I’ve seen so far of them on tape, so we’re excited. It’s going to present a unique challenge for us, but I think we’re ready. We’re going to prepare throughout the week and see what we can do on Sunday.”

Graham Barton Continues To Work On His Game, Relationship With Baker Mayfield

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and C Graham Barton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In a few days, Graham Barton will be suiting up for real and playing in the first of what the Bucs hope is many games for the franchise. After shining in the preseason, Barton is excited for what the future holds going forward. After feeling some jitters early on, his nerves are calmed now.

“I like to think I got the jitters out in the preseason,” Barton told Pewter Report. “Now, it’s about business and playing ball. Going out there on Sunday and getting a victory. We’re ready for the task and we think it’s going to be a great game.”

A key component of his success early on is building a connection with the quarterback he will be protecting — Baker Mayfield. When asked about how he has come along as a pass blocker, Barton spoke about his relationship with No. 6.

“It’s a different level of football, so I’ve had to work on all facets of my game,” Barton added. “Just continue to improve on that relationship [with Baker], continue to get better, and learn how to communicate well with Baker and the offensive line. Continuing to build, I feel very confident this week.”

At Baker Mayfield’s BE the Ball event in late August, head coach Todd Bowles spoke about the “good” collaboration Mayfield and Barton are building as the quarterback-center duo.

Does all of this mean that Graham Barton feels as prepared as he will be for his first NFL game on Sunday afternoon?

“We still have a full week of game prep and so got a long ways to go in front of that,” Barton said. “But yeah I mean, I feel ready to go. I feel I’m starting to settle in at center. These first few weeks will continue to be an adjustment period, but now it’s go time. I’m excited for the opportunity to compete out there and play to the best of my abilities and make sure I got everyone on the same page.”