Another offensive lineman visits, as does first ILB
The Steelers played host to another of the top offensive lineman prospects in this year’s draft, as well one of the top inside linebackers.
Duke’s Graham Barton and N.C. State’s Payton Wilson visited the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Barton, a four-year starter for the Blue Devils, is projected to play center in the NFL. He played in the pivot as a freshman, but he played left tackle the past three seasons. Despite his lack of experience at the position, Barton is starting to gain some steam among draft experts as the top center in this draft class ahead of
Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier, both of whom also visited the Steelers in the past week.
Barton ( 6- foot- 5, 313 pounds) did not test at the combine, but he did post some eye- popping numbers at Duke’s pro day. Regarded as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this draft, Barton ran a 4.95 in the 40-yard dash and also posted excellent times in the short shuttle and three-cone drills. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was there to witness it.
Barton started five games at center during the 2020 COVID-shortened season, then started 34 consecutive games at left tackle before a lower-body injury ended his senior season. At the combine, Barton did not believe he would have any issues if asked to move back to center in the NFL.
“It’s like riding a bike,” he said.
Barton is the latest in a long line of offensive linemen who have been brought in by the Steelers this spring. Of the 32 prospects who have taken visits, 12 of them are offensive linemen, including the consensus top three centers. The NFL allows teams 30 visits each spring, but local players with college or high school ties to the area do not count. The Steelers can host three more prospects on Wednesday, the final day draft visits are allowed.
Wilson, meanwhile, is the first inside linebacker to take a visit to the Steelers. He battled through a series of injuries during his six-year college career. Wilson was injury-free during his final season and was named first-team All-American after last season. He had 138 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions last season, including one that was returned for a touchdown. There is some uncertainty at inside linebacker with the Steelers, but they did sign Patrick Queen to the richest free-agent contract in team history last month.