The Arizona Cardinals could use an long-term answer on the inside and the Duke prospect could be that.
Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.
Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.
It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.
With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.
Next up is Dane’s 18th ranked prospect, Graham Barton, an intriguing interior lineman prospect who could play guard and potentially be the Arizona Cardinals center of the future.
Dane’s Take:
A four-year starter at Duke, Barton was entrenched at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Kevin Johns’ scheme. The highest-ranked recruit in the Blue Devils’ class four years ago, he earned freshman All-America honors as a center in 2020 and started 34 games at left tackle over the last three seasons, earning All-America honors in 2023. As a run blocker, Barton plays with the athletic control, core strength and stubborn mentality to exe cute his assignments.
The best players at schools like Duke are like Barton who end up playing left tackle because they are the most superior talent along the offensive line. It does not mean they are left tackles only.
Barton was a very good center in his one year there.
His movements and finishing skills also translate to pass protection, but he will struggle cutting off NFL speed and needs to improve his punch timing to stay ahead of schedule (and avoid penalties).
Play strength as well as reps will matter for Barton, but he looks like an immediate starter at either guard or center spot.
Overall, Barton will have adjustments to make as he moves inside, but he has athletic feet and strong hands and works hard to stay attached to blocks through the whistle. He projects as an above-average NFL starter at guard or center (reminiscent of Alijah Vera-Tucker).
Barton would be a nice addition to compete at left guard or center, whatever position the Arizona Cardinals feel like is the “weak” spot along the line.
Next up… Jared Verse
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