The post-NFL Scouting Combine mock draft from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has the Green Bay Packers getting Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton at No. 25 overall in the first round of the 2024 draft.
Zierlein sees Barton (6-5, 313) as the top guard/center prospect in the draft class and a fit for the Packers offensive line.
From Zierlein: “Green Bay has a potential hole at the guard spot, and Barton would be a great addition, as he can play multiple positions along the offensive line and is the most talented interior lineman in this year’s draft.”
The Packers do have a potential need at right guard, and few teams in the NFL over the last two decades have been better at converting college left tackles into highly successful pro guards. It’s possible Barton could be a plug-and-play starter at right guard — even over 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan — or an immediate competitor at center for 2021 second-round pick Josh Myers. Either way, he could immediately upgrade the offensive line in front of Jordan Love entering 2024.
Barton started the last three seasons at left tackle for Duke but is likely headed inside at the NFL level. He previously played games at center, too. At the combine, Barton said that he believes he can play all five positions along the offensive line.
According to Pro Football Focus, Barton allowed only two sacks and 11 total pressures at left tackle for Duke in 2023. He gave up only 41 total pressures across over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps over the last three seasons.
Here is Zierlein’s breakdown of Barton entering the draft:
“Reviewing Barton’s tape is a pleasurable experience in offensive line evaluation, as his tenacity and know-how are on full display throughout. Though he played at a high level at left tackle, center will likely be his NFL home. Barton is an explosive drive blocker with the body control and leg drive to keep opponents centered and finish the job. His hands are sudden, accurate and strong in both phases, but a lack of length will create occasional challenges on the next level. His fluidity creates an advantage as a second-level climber, and he’s highly capable in the screen game. Barton’s technique, toughness and athleticism are exactly what teams will be looking for from an early starter with Pro Bowl potential.”
One of the best indicators for success with OL is the ability to get out of compromising positions to win a block. "Recovery balance" is one way to describe it and it's all over Graham Barton's tape.
We break down an example of it here on the first play against FSU pic.twitter.com/6lSx1LKbCt
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 26, 2024
Barton is PFF’s No. 26 overall player on the current draft board. He’s also the No. 34 overall player on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board.
Barton measured in with 32 7/8″ arms and a wingspan under 80″, which means he’ll likely need to move inside to negate his lack of elite length in the NFL.
Jeremiah says he believes Barton will be an “athletic center with the ability to survive at tackle if needed” at the next level.
