The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal choice in the upcoming NFL Draft. Their primary focus lies in bolstering their offensive line, with the imperative need for a center or versatile player capable of fulfilling that role. Additionally, there's a pressing demand for enhancement in the wide receiver department. Alongside these critical areas, cornerback emerges as another targeted position for improvement. While other positions, such as the defensive line, also warrant consideration, indications strongly lean towards the Steelers prioritizing their offensive line in the first round, armed with the 20th overall pick.
Duke Athletics
Duke center Graham Barton walking the sideline during a game.
Recent insights from Tony Pauline, shared on Monday, echo sentiments circulating within the league and among those well-versed with the organization. According to his sources, the Steelers are leaning towards selecting Graham Barton from Duke University in the opening round.
“What will the Pittsburgh Steelers do in Round 1? The widely held belief is that they will select an offensive lineman or cornerback with the 20th selection. People in the league tell me the team is sending signals they will take a blocker with that selection, but who?”
Pauline went deeper into the reasoning behind the prevailing sentiment. He highlighted the Steelers' quest for a proficient blocker, emphasizing their dire need for assistance in both areas. Barton's appeal lies in his versatility, as he demonstrates proficiency in anchoring the center position while seamlessly transitioning to other roles along the offensive line as required.
“Speculation from people in the league familiar with the organization is that Graham Barton of Duke will likely be the pick. The reasoning is simple: Barton was an accomplished offensive tackle at Duke and projects to center in the NFL. The Steelers need help at both positions, and Barton's ability to line up at either makes him very attractive.”
According to Pauline, the Steelers are enamored with Barton's remarkable ability to seamlessly slot into any of the five positions along the offensive line. His dominance for the Blue Devils throughout his collegiate tenure has not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as the 21st overall prospect on ESPN Draft Analyst Matt Miller's esteemed list. Standing tall at 6' 5" and weighing in at 313 pounds, Barton showcased his prowess primarily as a left tackle over the past three seasons. However, speculation abounds that his true calling may lie at center, a notion supported by many pundits.
Fantasy Pros
Duke center Graham Barton celebrates a rushing touchdown by his teammate.
While alternative directions remain conceivable, prevailing sentiment within league circles and among those privy to the Steelers' inner workings points squarely towards Barton as the prime candidate for the 20th overall pick. A linchpin in the Blue Devils' offensive triumphs in 2023, Barton's versatility offers a tantalizing array of options. With the potential to fulfill multiple needs with one selection, the Steelers stand poised to capitalize on Barton's multifaceted skill set according to Pauline.
Steelers Drafting Graham Barton Would Eliminate Need For Zach Frazier
If the Steelers were to indeed select Barton in the first round, it would significantly diminish the likelihood of them pursuing a center. Unless their strategy involves deploying Barton at left tackle while targeting another center prospect with hopes of securing a starter. However, given their multitude of other pressing needs, it wouldn't seem prudent to focus heavily on drafting players with center capabilities.
Jaron Summers / West Virginia University
WVU center Zach Frazier holds his thumb up to a fan after a home game in Morgantown.
Zach Frazier has been strongly linked to the Steelers in the second round, but as his draft stock continues to soar, waiting until the second round to secure him becomes increasingly risky. Another center prospect the Steelers have been linked to, Jackson Powers-Johnson, has experienced a decline in his draft stock. In the scenario where the Steelers opt for Barton, both Frazier and Powers-Johnson are likely to be ruled out as potential selections.
#SteelerNation
