We’ve finally made it. After months of conjecture, rumors, and arguments about who will take who and which player is worth a first-round pick, the NFL draft is about 48 hours away.
While offensive linemen aren’t as subject to the conjecture as quarterbacks, former Duke Blue Devil Graham Barton still finds himself in the mix of takes from the bottom of the first round.
The former tackle, who is expected to play guard in the NFL, will almost assuredly hear his name called during Thursday’s opening round. However, with playoff teams all over the board needing more help along the inside, where is he going to go?
Barton’s most popular pairing keeps shifting around. Over the winter, he was frequently connected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 26th pick after they lost two interior starters over the past two seasons. The Miami Dolphins began to emerge as a popular spot at No. 21 earlier this month after they lost guard Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams to free agency, and the past few days have seen the Pittsburgh Steelers step forward as a potential candidate.
We’ve already broken down Barton’s five most likely spots based on team need and the rumor mill, but only one squad can have him. So who will it be?
If you asked me right now, I don’t think any team in the top 20 makes a move on Barton. A lot of teams in that range need offensive line help, but outside of Seattle, none of them can afford to pass up on a loaded offensive tackle class. Notre Dame’s Joe Alt might be the only one taken in the top 10, but I truly think half of the 11-20 range could be tackle prospects.
Pittsburgh could very well prioritize Barton’s versatility, especially after cutting starter Mason Cole this offseason. In a loaded year at tackle and receiver, though, I think the Steelers look elsewhere.
Which leaves the Miami Dolphins.
Just like Seattle, the Dolphins are in the luxurious spots of being able to prioritize center or guard early in the draft. Between Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, they don’t need to touch the wideout prospects. With Terron Armstead at tackle, they don’t need to touch the other deep position in this year’s pool. The defense is littered with top talent, even with the departure of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
On top of all of that, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa battled multiple injuries across his collegiate and professional careers thus far. Barton’s ability to play all five spots on the line and his technical soundness make him a potential anchor for the next decade, and I don’t think the Dolphins let him get past them.
FINAL PREDICTION: Miami Dolphins (21st overall)