Free agency has been tough on the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line so far. Following the departures of David Bakhtiari and Jon Runyan Jr., along with the uncertainty still surrounding free agent Yosh Nijman, fortifying the O-line is now a top priority.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, the free-agent market for offensive lineman still features Tyron Smith, a proven impact player. But beyond Smith, the talent pool is shallow, limiting the options for teams with offensive line needs. In contrast, the 2024 draft presents an enticing array of offensive line prospects.
Among the draft prospects, Duke’s Graham Barton aligns with Green Bay’s preference for versatility. During his time at Duke, Barton showcased a versatile profile, playing over 2,000 snaps as a left tackle and 430 as a center.
Flexibility and adaptability allow Barton to maintain an edge and adjust seamlessly mid-play, crucial aspects for retaining control of defensive linemen. He employs a wide base and controlled hand positioning to engage and anchor against opponents effectively.
Impressive tape bolsters Barton’s draft stock, particularly in matchups against elite defensive players. He held his own against Jared Verse, who’s widely considered one of the best defensive prospects in the upcoming draft.
Barton’s profile includes shorter arms compared to other prospects, a characteristic that might prompt consideration for a shift to the interior of the offensive line in the NFL. However, this potential adjustment aligns with Green Bay’s needs. The Packers have two above-average tackles, Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker, who are confirmed to return next season. Tom and Walker have PFF pass-blocking grades above 73.5, creating a solid foundation for the Packers at tackle.
Jon Runyan recorded lower blocking grades this year than in the past two seasons. Josh Myers finished the season positively but faced struggles throughout the regular season. Both his passing and blocking grades remained below 60, below league average.
The Packers have four interior linemen under contract for next year: Myers, Elgton Jenkins, Royce Newman, and Sean Rhyan. Barton’s potential transition to the interior provides valuable depth and introduces healthy competition within the position group. With his adaptable skillset, Barton could contend for a starting role at the beginning of the season, adding a competitive edge to the interior offensive line.
Barton is projected to be selected between the mid-first and the early second round. Historically, the Packers have refrained from selecting offensive players in the first round, with the exception of Jordan Love in 2020. Before Love, Derek Sherrod (2011) was the last offensive player they took in the first round. With two second-round selections and two third-round selections in the 2024 draft, the Packers possess ample draft capital to potentially trade up if Barton falls into the second round.
Scouts see Barton as a potential starting center. That evaluation raises questions about his draft stock, especially given the historically lower value attributed to the center position. Teams often prioritize positions with perceived higher value early in the draft, potentially creating an opportunity for the Packers to target Barton early on Day 2.
Barton’s versatility is a crucial asset that should place him high on Green Bay’s draft board. Under offensive line coach Adam Stenavich’s guidance, the Packers have a track record of developing talent. Considering Barton’s versatility, there’s a strong possibility he could evolve into one of the league’s premier interior linemen. Stenavich’s successful development of Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker, both Day 3 picks who performed like seasoned veterans, underscores his ability to maximize players’ potential.
Given Barton’s potential impact and Stenavich’s success in developing talent, selecting him in the draft should be one of Green Bay’s priorities. His versatility aligns with the team’s needs, and under Stenavich’s coaching, Barton has the potential to become a cornerstone, reinforcing the Packers’ interior offensive line.
