The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton plans on taking full advantage. Barton recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Barton also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, playing center and guard in Mobile, his NFL player comp, and more. Let's get to know Barton better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Graham Barton: I was inside our football facility. I got called up to the staff ward where I was handed my invite. I was pretty excited. I’ve heard a lot about the Senior Bowl. I watched it growing up. I’m honored to be a part of that week. I’m excited for the opportunity to be down in Mobile and to have this be part of my process.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Graham Barton: The prestige of the game came first and foremost. There’s a certain reputation that the Senior Bowl possesses in certain circles. The game, the entire week really, has become an icon. Like I said earlier, I always watched the Senior Bowl growing up. Some of my favorite players from when I was younger played in the Senior Bowl. To have this opportunity means so much to me. I’m very thankful. I jumped on the invite and accepted it as soon as I received it.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Graham Barton: In general, I’m looking to prove that I’m a tough, hard-nosed football player. I enjoy playing this sport. I play it with passion. I finish blocks and play through the whistle. I might not always execute the perfect block or have perfect technique, but I’m going to play hard and be consistent with that. I think that shows up on tape. It’ll always show up when I step onto the football field.
JM: You play incredibly hard on tape. How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself.
Graham Barton: I’d describe myself as an athletic offensive lineman that plays with good feet. I’m explosive out of my stance. I think that’s one of my biggest strengths. My ability to get off the ball and get into position is a highlight trait of mine. I think I have some twitch as well that favors me and helps me win blocks. I’m very aggressive. Like I alluded to earlier, my physicality and ability to finish and sustain blocks stand out.
I know I’m considered to not have the most length in the measurables category. I think I play longer than I am. I have the ability to make plays in certain positions, awkward positions that are a little unique to my skill set.
JM: Speaking of, it’s been reported that you’re going to be playing some center at the Senior Bowl. I imagine you’ll play a little guard as well. Talk to me about that.
Graham Barton: I haven’t talked a whole about that with Jim Nagy and his staff yet. I have heard that though. I’m excited to play different positions and move around the offensive line. I’m not exactly sure where I’ll be spending my time as of yet. I played center during my true freshman year at Duke. I do have some experience with the position. I played about five or six games at center. I’m excited to prove my versatility.
I feel comfortable playing inside. I think I can play all five positions. It relates back to my athleticism. I have the ability to move around the offensive line as needed while picking up different techniques. There are small little kinks within the game at tackle, guard, and center. I can transition pretty smoothly from those three positions and across the board. I’m excited to showcase that versatility by jumping in and out of different positions.
JM: We can’t wait to watch that versatility in person. If you had to give yourself an NFL player comp, who would you choose and why?
Graham Barton: I watched a lot of David Bakhtiari growing up. With him being an offensive tackle, I’ve played the tackle position for the previous three years myself. I’ve watched a ton of David Bakhtiari because we actually have similar measurables. The way he wins his reps is similar to the way I try to win.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not calling myself David Bakhtiari (laughs). He’s someone I aspire to have similar technique to, especially at the tackle position. The way he wins, he’s not the longest guy, but he’s extremely athletic. I believe he’s about 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5 just like me. He gets it done. We both win with our feet. He’s able to sit on top of defenders and give the quarterback enough time and space in the pocket. He’s someone I’ve always watched while trying to pick up some aspects of his game. I really enjoy watching him on tape.
JM: That’s a great comparison. What can you achieve at the Senior Bowl that you can’t at other pre-draft events?
Graham Barton: The time spent with all 32 teams is going to be invaluable. I’m excited to get to know people around the NFL. It’s an opportunity to market yourself and show decision-makers what you’re all about. I think that's the most valuable part of the Senior Bowl. The reputation that comes with it speaks for itself. Jim Nagy has built something special. It holds a ton of prestige. I’m honored to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get down to Mobile.
JM: What’s on Graham Barton’s pre-game playlist?
Graham Barton: It totally depends. I switch it up. I couldn’t even tell you why. I don’t have any rhyme or reason to it (laughs). I'll listen to anything from country, to classic rock, and rap. It really just depends on the mood I’m in (laughs). It’s all about how I’m feeling that day, or what I decide to turn on whenever I turn on my music app. I wish I could give you a few set things I listen to, but the truth is that it varies.
JM: We love that. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Graham Barton?
Graham Barton: I’m hoping to prove that what I think of myself and my game is accurate. I’m going to play to my strengths both as a person and player. I want to leave the Senior Bowl feeling confident that people and teams know who Graham Barton is. I want them to be fully aware of what I can do. Leaving the Senior Bowl with the confidence that I did everything I wanted to do is my ultimate goal. I want to have full confidence that everyone there has a full understanding of who I am.
If I do that, I’ll have accomplished my goals at the Senior Bowl.
