Although the Philadelphia Eagles signed four-year, $84 million left guard Landon Dickerson and four-year, $66 million left tackle Jordan Mailata to extensions this summer, they are still making changes on the offensive line.
In the 2017 draft, Philly currently holds the No. 22 overall choice, and general manager Howie Roseman has a track record of trading up to acquire players he believes have the potential to be franchise pillars. He went up to No. 9 to choose defensive lineman Jalen Carter only the previous year. Is he going to do something similar this year?
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has Philly trading up to select former Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton in a new mock draft.
“If the Raiders and Saints pass on Barton, then the Eagles could move up to get a leader on the offensive line,” Reuter wrote on April 5. “His athleticism, toughness and football IQ could allow him to step in at multiple spots, likely combining with Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson in the interior.”
Let’s look at what the Eagles club, which has an uncertain offensive line, might gain by selecting Graham Barton.
The Philadelphia Eagles Would Obtain Versatile OL If They Drafted Graham Barton
Over the course of the last three seasons, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barton has played 2,134 plays at left tackle. As a freshman, he also played center.
When he joins the NFL, it’s anticipated that he will return to center. Barton was supposed to start at snapping the ball for the Senior Bowl, but he chose to sit out and recover from a small ailment in his lower body.
He played 258 pass block snaps last season, surrendering two sacks and nine hurries despite being limited by a knee ailment in 2023 (numbers via PFF). A healthy Barton performed admirably in 2022, giving up two sacks and eight hurries in 487 pass block snaps.
Barton is an excellent run blocker who possesses strength despite his small stature. His physical prowess is also astounding. Barton’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) was 9.99. The RAS is a metric that evaluates athletes at the same position based on a combination of parameters, such as height, weight, and drill performance.
From 1987 to 2024, Barton’s RAS score placed him third out of 1,532 offensive guards. That is really outstanding, and I’m sure that a number of coordinators and coaches are excited about the prospect of working with him to develop him into a reliable NFL center.
What Experts on Drafts Are Saying
PFF had this to say about Barton in his scouting summary: “His grip strength is impressive, although his tendency to not let go leads to some holding calls. He has a mean streak in the run game with the leg drive to bury defenders. He is a good athlete off the ball and in space to be a successful second-level blocker.”
Regarding the young OL, NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein stated as follows:
Reviewing Barton’s tape is a pleasurable experience in offensive line evaluation, as his tenacity and know-how are on full display throughout. Though he played at a high level at left tackle, center will likely be his NFL home. Barton is an explosive drive blocker with the body control and leg drive to keep opponents centered and finish the job. His hands are sudden, accurate and strong in both phases, but a lack of length will create occasional challenges on the next level. His fluidity creates an advantage as a second-level climber, and he’s highly capable in the screen game. Barton’s technique, toughness and athleticism are exactly what teams will be looking for from an early starter with Pro Bowl potential.
“He is a technician in the run game,” NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote about Barton. “He is excellent on combo blocks and he’s under control as a puller. Overall, I see Barton as an athletic center with the ability to survive at tackle if needed.”
After Philadelphia’s 2024 season, future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce announced his retirement. The Eagles will need a new starting center, and they may choose to pick one. Barton is undoubtedly a fascinating candidate who could be able to cover that gap.