Graham Barton is scheduled to have a Top-30 visit with the Chicago Bears ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears have been busy scheduling their Top-30 visits and just scheduled their most intriguing visit so far ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Ryan Fowler, the Bears are scheduled to have a Top-30 visit with Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton. This is set to be the highest level of interest for […]
The Chicago Bears have been busy scheduling their Top-30 visits and just scheduled their most intriguing visit so far ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
According to Ryan Fowler, the Bears are scheduled to have a Top-30 visit with Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton. This is set to be the highest level of interest for the versatile prospect as the Bears slated to have two picks in the Top-10.
Barton has been flying up draft board over the past few weeks and the Bears showing interest in the offensive line prospect adds even more intrigue to Barton's name.
Just two months ago Barton's name was rarely seen in the first round round in mock drafts from notable experts and now he's gaining interest from a Top-10 team. The Bears have two selections in the first round; the first and ninth overall selections.
Based on NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah's updated Top-50 rankings that came out this week, Barton was tied for the highest adjusted ranking, moving up three spots on the list to the 24th spot on his list.
Here's what our very own Rob Gregson had to say about the up and coming offensive line prospect following his evaluation:
"Barton is a high level athlete with day one starter technique. A fluid and reactive lower half, Barton moves and responds to pass rushers with ease. Outside of some mistimed hands and second level launch angles, Barton is extremely clean technically. However, his overall lack of length, but particularly in terms of his arms have him projected to play along the interior at the next level." AtoZ Sports' Rob Gregson
Barton offers some valuable versatility on the offensive line with experience at left tackle and center during his time at Duke. Barton allowed two sacks on 235 pass blocking snaps in 2023 at left tackle and zero sacks on 222 pass blocking snaps during the 2020 season. While he seems like a sure-fire first round prospect at this point in the draft process, it's surprising to see the Bears showing some interest in him.
Since the Bears only have the first and ninth overall pick in the first round and no second round selections, Barton seems well outside of their range, unless the front office decides to trade back from the ninth overall pick.
The Bears have done some major work this offseason adding to the offensive line by bringing in established players such as Ryan Bates, Coleman Shelton, and Matt Pryor. However, the Bears could still look to add a tackle to the mix to create a competition at left tackle or at the very least have some depth at the position.
Barton's versatility offers some value to have on the offensive line and the Bears' interest could point toward what position the front office values if the team ends up moving back in the first round of the draft on opening night.
Duke OL Graham Barton 2024 NFL Draft profile
Here is a full draft profile on 2024 NFL Draft prospect Graham Barton.
