Chicago Bears to host Duke OL Graham Barton on pre-draft visit

The Chicago Bears are scheduled to host Duke offensive linemen Graham Barton on a pre-draft visit. The news was confirmed on Twitter by The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler. Barton is largely considered a first-round prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Could Bears general manager Ryan Poles consider drafting Barton at No. 9 overall, or via a trade-down scenario?

Duke OL Graham Barton has a 30 visit scheduled with the Chicago Bears, a source said.

One of the most versatile athletes in the class.

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 3, 2024

Barton was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils. Barton earned 2,134 snaps across the previous three campaigns as a blindside protector. NFL analysts are however projecting a position change for Barton despite him not playing a single snap at another position in college.

Barton may lack the arm length necessary to continue playing left tackle at the next level. The Brentwood, Tennessee native possesses 29th-percentile arm length, and 47th-percentile wingspan, according to MockDraftable. Barton has been preparing to play guard or center in the NFL. He’s viewed by many as this year’s Peter Skoronski, a tackle-turned-guard in last year’s draft that went 11th overall to the Tennessee Titans. It’s worth acknowledging that Barton’s arm length isn’t as prohibitive to playing tackle as Skoronski’s 3rd-percentile length was.

No. 9 may be considered a tad early for Barton, but he is one of the most technically advanced blockers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Poles could conceivably believe Barton is capable of playing left tackle, a position the Bears may consider drafting a player to contend with Braxton Jones with the winner becoming Caleb Williams’ blindside protector.

If the Bears view Barton as an interior player, they arguably have needs at both guard and center. Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton are contending to start at center. Right guard Nate Davis is a potential cap casualty next offseason unless he performs significantly better throughout 2024. Tackle-turned-guard Teven Jenkins is the projected left guard starter.

NFL scouts consider Barton an instant upgrade at virtually any spot along most NFL offensive lines. Barton projects as a day-one impact starter with All-Pro potential and upside. If the Bears draft Barton, he’d certainly win a starting job at tackle, guard, or center.