Steelers Now
Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Graham Barton Viewed as Generational-Type Player by Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be set on drafting an offensive linemen in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, whether that is a tackle or center remains to be seen, and two candidates are rising above the rest Graham Barton and Amarius Mims.
Barton is an impressive player on film, and though many are projecting him to move positions because his lack of length leaves him in trouble on the outside at tackle, many believe he is a special talent who could play center. Former Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor, who helps the Steelers out with some scouting services, weighed in on Barton.
“This is what I think about when I think about Graham Barton — you mix a grizzly bear, you put in a ballerina, and you put in a lion,” Taylor said on the Bleav in Steelers Podcast. “Those people don’t come around too often.”
Longtime Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is hearing that the Steelers think Barton is a generational-type player. This has been confirmed by Steelers Now.
“It has been said to me by someone in the organization who would know that Graham Barton is a generational-type player,” Dulac said during an appearance on the Steve Jones Show. “If that’s what you think, then you take a generational-type player. Those type of players are Pro Bowl players. Those guys are guys you build your line around for 10 years like Maurkice Pouncey. You took Maurkice Pouncey at 18. There’s nothing wrong with taking that type of player at 20 if you believe in him. And if he is what they think he is, then to me, why would you pass him up? You just wouldn’t because that is your number one need.”
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also thinks the Steelers need to address offensive line, specifically at center.
“You just got two quarterbacks. That should be your start. It feels like they’ve been trying to rebuild the line, but in unique ways. Start with the line. If there’s a good center or tackle… Maybe take the first two. To me it starts and stops with the line,” Roethlisberger said on the WDVE Morning Show. “…Tackles are important as they’re protecting your blindside. You can put in tight-ends to help a tackle. A center has to be a guy. He’s making your calls. Your center and quarterback have to work together. You saw how Pounce and I worked together. If you’re not on the same page with your center… You’re in trouble.”
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger is also on the Graham Barton to Pittsburgh train. He thinks he would be a dream scenario for the Black and Gold.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers know how to draft centers. They got a bunch of them in the Hall of Fame. Center is a position of need. There’s no question about it,” Baldinger said during a draft debate on *NFL...
