For a lot of the offseason, experts have described Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson and West Virginia’s Zach Frazier as likely draft choices for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, SI.com’s All Steelers’ Noah Strackbein added a third name to the list of center options for Pittsburgh — Duke’s Graham Barton.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was present at Barton’s pro day on March 28. Strackbein stated that Barton's pro day performance seemed to secure his position as a first-round pick.
“Do not underestimate the possibility of Barton being the team’s first round pick,” wrote Strackbein. “And if he’s there at No. 20, no matter who else is on the board, he could be their selection.”
Barton achieved impressive times with a 4.94 40-yard dash and a 4.54 20-yard shuttle at his pro day.
He started 39 games during his college career. Barton was part of the All-American team and first-team All-ACC twice in college.
At Duke, he mainly played left tackle, but Barton is expected to switch to center in the NFL. He played center for Duke during his freshman season in 2020.
“Analyzing Barton’s tape is a satisfying experience in offensive line evaluation, as his determination and knowledge are evident throughout,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Although he performed well at left tackle, center will probably be his position in the NFL.
“Barton’s technique, toughness and athleticism are exactly what teams will be seeking in an early starter with Pro Bowl potential.”
How Duke’s Graham Barton Could Be Steelers’ First-Round Pick
The Steelers have a significant gap in the center of their offensive line. They released incumbent center Mason Cole on February 23 and have yet to add any new center to the roster.
At the annual league meeting in Orlando, Florida, Steelers general manager Omar Khan emphasized that the team is open to any kind of addition at center. This means the Steelers could still add a center before the end of April through free agency or in a trade.
But the most likely scenario seems to be Pittsburgh drafting a center in the first round. At the very least, unless the team makes an addition at center, the Steelers must add a starting capable center in either the first or second round of the 2024 draft.
Barton emerging as a starting caliber center gives the Steelers another draft option besides Powers-Johnson and Frazier.
The Pro Football Focus consensus draft rankings do not have Barton, Powers-Johnson, or Frazier ranked as a top 20 prospect in the 2024 class. The Steelers possess the No. 20 overall pick in the first round.
But PFF rated all three offensive linemen as top 32 selections. Therefore, it’s possible all three of those centers are taken before the Steelers pick again at No. 51.
Possibly trading back for more draft capital but staying in the first round could work. That strategy will depend on how the Steelers assess the three top centers in the class.
However, while all three could be first-round picks, there’s no guarantee any of them are selected in the first round. According to ESPN’s consensus draft rankings, Barton is the highest-ranked center in the class as the No. 32 overall potential player.
ESPN also rates Powers-Johnson and Frazier at No. 47 and 67 overall, respectively.
Other Options for Steelers' Center Position
Even though Barton, Powers-Johnson and Frazier are seen as the top centers in the 2024 class, it’s not necessarily all or nothing with these three prospects. The Steelers have also been associated with Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran this offseason.
PFF and ESPN consider Van Pran as a prospect for the third round.
There are also a couple of available center options for the Steelers in free agency, notably, Miami Dolphins interior offensive player Connor Williams is still on the market.
PFF’s Brad Spielberger stated that the Steelers provide the best opportunity for Williams on March 28.
There are no clear trade targets at center, but considering Khan’s trade past, that approach cannot be completely dismissed.
