The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially selected former Duke Blue Devil, Graham Barton, with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jason Licht and his team were looking to upgrade the center position and the interior offensive line, and Barton fits the bill with his versatility. Many believe that Barton will be an upgrade at center, where he is projected as a best fit in the NFL. The Buccaneers will have viable depth, at worst, at a very important position in 2024.
Tristan Wirfs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star left tackle, is expected to receive a lucrative contract extension. With the recent $112 million contract given to Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell, Wirfs could command a similar or higher salary, possibly making him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the league. The 2020 first-round pick has been a standout player, earning two All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections in his short career.
Just prior to the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a minor roster adjustment by releasing cornerback Richard LeCounte. LeCounte, a 25-year-old who joined the Buccaneers during the 2023 preseason, had been a member of the practice squad since the start of the regular season. Though he was elevated to the active roster on game day three times, he only saw action in two games, playing a total of four snaps on special teams. LeCounte, a fifth-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2021, had limited playing time during his two seasons in Cleveland, appearing in 10 games and recording three tackles. In college, he played at the University of Georgia, where he amassed 176 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries over four seasons.
Rookie NFL tight ends need the perfect blend of talent and situational fit to succeed in their first year, and this article outlines the ideal landing spots for the 2024 NFL Draft’s rookie tight end class. The Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants are all teams that could provide fantasy-friendly roles for rookie tight ends.
