New Center Option Emerges for Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a new name to keep an eye on during the 2024 NFL Draft. As they look to replace Mason Cole, Duke's Graham Barton may be climbing up their radar, and could be a first-round option for them.

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was in attendance for an impressive Pro Day for Barton, who is set to be the next NFL prospect out of Duke. At the Pro Day, Barton ran a 4.94 40-yard dash and 4.54 20-yard shuttle. Heading into the day, he was expected to be a late-first, maybe second-round pick. Now, it appears he's locked in as a first-round selection.

Former Falcons HC and current Steelers OC Arthur Smith is at Duke’s pro day.

Graham Barton just ran a 40 that excited a lot of folks on the Duke sideline.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 28, 2024

The Steelers probably have three top options at center in the NFL Draft. They could go with Barton, or look to add Jackson Powers-Johnson or Zach Frazier. They've had attendees at Duke's Pro Day and Oregon's Pro Day, and are expected to have Frazier in for a local pre-draft visit.

The team has mentioned Nate Herbig as an option at center throughout the offseason, but after releasing Cole, they'll likely add to the group before the summer. General manager Omar Khan said all options are on the table still, including free agents, draftees and a possible trade. Most-likely, though, the team is viewing the NFL Draft as their best opportunity to land a star.

Don't sleep on the possibility of Barton being the team's first round pick. And if he's there at No. 20, no matter who else is on the board, he could be their selection.

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