Graham Barton and the Dallas Cowboys: A Potential Match in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear objective: strengthen their offensive line to protect quarterback Dak Prescott and enhance their run game. With this in mind, many analysts believed that Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton was an ideal fit for the team. His versatility, technical skill, and ability to play multiple positions on the line made him one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the draft. Although the Cowboys ultimately selected Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton in the first round, the discussions surrounding Barton highlighted key considerations for Dallas in their roster-building process.

Graham Barton’s Profile: A Versatile Lineman with NFL-Ready Skills

Graham Barton was a standout at Duke, excelling primarily as an offensive tackle. However, due to his frame and skill set, many scouts projected him as a future guard or center in the NFL. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths and why he was a top prospect:

  • Positional Versatility: Barton played tackle in college but has the ability to shift inside to guard or center. His experience handling different responsibilities makes him an asset for teams looking to add flexibility to their offensive line.
  • Strong Footwork and Balance: One of Barton’s biggest strengths is his footwork. He maintains excellent balance in pass protection, allowing him to counteract bull rushes and maintain a strong anchor against powerful defenders.
  • Run-Blocking Prowess: Barton excels in the run game, demonstrating the ability to open up lanes for running backs with his powerful hands and quick movement off the snap.
  • Football IQ and Awareness: He has a high football IQ, consistently recognizing defensive schemes and making smart adjustments on the fly.
  • Heavy Hands and Core Strength: Barton’s ability to generate power through his hands and core allows him to neutralize defenders effectively.

Why Analysts Linked Barton to the Dallas Cowboys

Several NFL analysts, including Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, projected Graham Barton as a potential first-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Their reasoning was rooted in both team need and Barton’s skill set:

The Cowboys’ Need for Offensive Line Reinforcements

The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success over the past decade, but age and injuries have raised concerns about its future. Tyron Smith, a longtime anchor at left tackle, departed in free agency, leaving a significant gap to fill. Additionally, guard Zack Martin is nearing the latter stages of his career, increasing the urgency for Dallas to invest in young talent on the interior line.

Barton’s ability to play multiple positions would have given the Cowboys much-needed flexibility. Whether as a potential long-term solution at center or as a replacement for a guard spot, Barton’s presence would have provided Dallas with depth and stability.

Barton’s Fit in the Cowboys’ Scheme

Mike McCarthy’s offense places a heavy emphasis on strong offensive line play, particularly in establishing a dominant run game. Barton’s skill set aligned well with this philosophy, as he excels in both pass protection and run blocking. His ability to get to the second level and create space for running backs would have been a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offensive approach.

Dallas’ Actual Draft Selection: Tyler Guyton Over Graham Barton

Despite the strong case for Barton, the Cowboys ultimately selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with their first-round pick. This decision was likely influenced by the team’s desire to prioritize a pure tackle prospect rather than an interior lineman.

Why Dallas Chose Guyton

  • Athleticism and Upside: Guyton is a highly athletic tackle with immense potential. Though he is still developing his technique, his size and agility make him an ideal candidate to protect Prescott’s blindside for years to come.
  • Position Priority: While Barton could have played multiple positions, the Cowboys clearly wanted to address their need at tackle first. Guyton’s selection ensures they have a young player to groom for the left tackle spot.
  • Scheme Fit: Guyton’s skill set aligns with the Cowboys’ offensive scheme, particularly in pass protection. His ability to mirror defenders and use his length to keep edge rushers at bay made him a highly appealing choice.

Would Barton Have Been the Better Pick?

The debate over whether Barton would have been a better choice than Guyton is a valid one. While Guyton has tremendous upside as a tackle, Barton’s versatility and polish made him a safer, more immediate contributor. The key factors to consider in this debate include:

  • Immediate Impact: Barton likely would have been a Day 1 starter at guard or center, while Guyton may require more development before becoming a consistent starter at tackle.
  • Long-Term Projection: If Guyton reaches his full potential, he could become a franchise left tackle, a position of greater value than guard or center.
  • Roster Flexibility: Barton’s ability to play multiple positions would have provided the Cowboys with much-needed depth in case of injuries.

Ultimately, both players possess qualities that could benefit the Cowboys, but the team opted to take a high-upside tackle rather than a versatile interior lineman.

What’s Next for Barton and the Cowboys?

Graham Barton was ultimately selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he is expected to play a significant role in their offensive line. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will look to develop Guyton into a long-term answer at tackle while also addressing their interior line needs in future drafts or free agency.

For Dallas, the focus now shifts to ensuring that their young linemen develop properly. If Guyton emerges as a starting-caliber left tackle, the Cowboys’ decision will be validated. However, if Barton quickly establishes himself as an elite guard or center, there will be questions about whether Dallas made the right choice.

Final Thoughts: The Future of the Cowboys’ Offensive Line

The Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a clear objective of bolstering their offensive line, and while they ultimately chose Tyler Guyton over Graham Barton, the conversation surrounding Barton underscores the team’s strategic considerations. His versatility, skill set, and readiness to contribute immediately made him an attractive option, but the Cowboys decided to go with a player they believe can become their franchise left tackle.

As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Guyton’s development and how he compares to Barton in terms of impact. While it’s impossible to determine the long-term success of these draft picks just yet, one thing is clear: the Cowboys remain committed to protecting Prescott and building a dominant offensive line. Whether or not they made the right choice will be determined in the years to come.

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