Graham Barton Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Jaylynn Nash/USA Today Sports)

School: Duke

Class: Senior

Position: OT

HT: 6’5

WT: 314 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #30

Background: Graham Barton was a 3-star recruit from Brentwood, Tennessee. Barton attended Ravenwood High School and built a name as one of the better offensive guards in Tennessee. He lettered all four years at Ravenwood. Barton was an All-Region Selection three seasons in a row at Ravenwood. On top of that, he was the 2019 State Offensive Lineman of the Year. Barton was a top lineman in the state of Tennessee and received a plethora of offers. He chose to commit to Duke over schools like Mississippi State and Virginia Tech.

College: His ability to receive a scholarship from Duke goes to show what kind of student he is. In 2020 he was named a Second Team All-American, a season in which Barton started 5 games. 2021 saw Barton become a starting left tackle for Duke while also being an All-Academic ACC selection. In 2022, Barton returned as the starting left tackle as a member of the Preseason All-ACC Team. Barton missed some time due to injuries in 2023, but his impact was felt when he was on the field.

Strengths: Graham Barton does a really nice job of keeping his shoulders square to the defender and does not allow the rusher to set the edge on him. Barton is exceptional when asked to perform pulls along the offensive line and get to a spot before the ball carrier. He picks up assignments rather easily and never stops looking for work. He has a killer instinct in the run game. His legs never stop moving forward and he loves putting defenders in the dirt. He moves to the second level of the defense rather effortlessly and clears running lanes quickly. As a pass protector, he maintains a good pad level and displays footwork to combat any type of edge rusher. Graham Barton explodes out of his stance and wastes no time getting a perfect pad level. Barton works best against power rushers who rely on strength. His strong lower half and core creates an immovable anchor.

Weaknesses: Barton can afford to improve upon his consistency against the twitchier, more athletic edge rushers. He gets beat by quick change of direction, whether it be to the gaps on the inside or around his outside foot. However, this is really only in pass protection as he has no problem moving a defender back and off of the rush in run blocking.

Conclusion: Barton seems to be one of the more overlooked tackles in this class. He can provide stability if he stays healthy. He has the frame to play anywhere on the line. He will likely need to prove himself as a swing tackle before getting a starting job.

Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Right Tackle

Best Team Fits: CIN, MIA, NYJ

Player Comparison: Morgan Moses

Player Grade: 86.5