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Steelers Add Duke OC to Pre-Draft Visits
The Pittsburgh Steelers are zeroing in on one of their top draft prospects.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a keen interest in Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton, so much so that they wanted to get another closer look at him.
After new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith visited his Pro Day at Duke earlier in the spring and the team met with him at the NFL Combine, the Steelers will now get Barton in the building for a pre-draft visit this week at the UMPC Rooney Sports Complex. NC State linebacker Payton Wilson will join him on the trip to the Steel City to meet with the Steelers.
Barton 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.
Wilson was an ultra-productive player for the Wolfpack in 2023, amassing 138 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions and 6 passes defended. He won the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in college football, and Bednarik Award, given to the nation's best defensive player. Wilson also earned 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-ACC and All-American honors this past season.
Wilson is an interesting prospect, but Barton is the real headliner. He could be an option for the Steelers at pick No. 20 and the team is making sure they do their homework on him.
