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Insider Predicts Steelers First-Round Pick
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to lock up their center position in the first round of the draft.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have needs up and down their offense that they'll need to fill through the NFL Draft but one need in the middle of the offensive line outweighs all the rest, at least according to one team insider.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette said during an appearance on the Under Review Podcast on Connect FM that he believed the Steelers would take former Duke interior offensive lineman, Graham Barton - a fast-rising prospect - with their first selection at pick No. 20 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"The only thing I will say is, because they can't wait to the second round because none of those guys that they like will be there, the centers," Dulac said. "And so the only way it won't be a center in the first round is if before the draft, or before the first round begins, they make a trade to move up in the second round where they feel like they can get one of the centers they like. I'm expecting them, because they need one and they can't afford to dilly dally, I think you're going to see them take a center and I think you're going to see them take the guy from Duke."
Barton - "the guy from Duke" - plays multiple positions on the interior of the line and is considered a late first round pick. That all adds up to make him a prime candidate for the Steelers, who desperately need to find a solution to their current void at center, this year. Barton stands 6'5 and weighs 314 pounds. He started in 39 of his 40 career appearances for the Blue Devils, earning All-American and All-ACC honors twice in 2022 and 2023.
Barton took a top-30 visit to meet with the Steelers earlier this week.
Dulac believes the Steelers will aim for a center over an offensive tackle because with veteran Dan Moore Jr. still under contract, they have a capable starting tackle in place, even if an upgrade is preferable.
Barton is one of a select group of top centers available in this draft and considered by many to be the best after climbing up big boards ever since the NFL Combine. The Steelers have a spot for him to fill right away and he could be the perfect fit.
