It's no secret the Miami Dolphins still need to get better on the interior of their offensive line. There could be a player on the board when the Dolphins pick in next month's draft that could be a significant asset for them.
Duke IOL Graham Barton went through his Pro Day on Thursday, and he showed off the size and athleticism that has garnered first round attention from draft pundits this offseason.
Duke OL Graham Barton looks like the Incredible Hulk and moves like an outside linebacker.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 28, 2024
This is the short shuttle: pic.twitter.com/ZIfr2fSEKu
Times ranged from 4.94-4.97 from scouts for #Duke OL Graham Barton (6052, 311) in the 40-yard dash. All 32 teams are here in attendance at Pro Day.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 28, 2024
• SS: 4.54 / 4.56
• 3-Cone: 7.31 / 7.32 pic.twitter.com/u45UuzNsjL
Those are impressive numbers for Barton. Good straight-line speed with a sub-5 40-yard dash and good cone and shuttle times.
That's relevant for Mike McDaniel's offense, which asks their offensive linemen to get out into space regularly with their outside zone runs as well as their screen passing game. Barton clearly appears to have athleticism to plug in at either center or guard and not be able to miss a beat assignment-wise.
I previously picked Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson to the Dolphins at 21 in A to Z Sports' most recent mock draft, and I stand by that pick, as he has the potential to be very good under center. Barton would also serve as a potential impact player at an area the Dolphins simply have to improve this offseason.
Miami did sign free agent IOL Aaron Brewer from Tennessee, who will start at either guard or center. They also reinforced their interior line depth with the re-signings of Isaiah Wynn - who could potentially hang onto his starting left guard spot - and Robert Jones, along with the addition of former Eagles OL Jack Driscoll, who's played some guard in the past.
The bottom line is finding a young and talented player who could help anchor the middle of the line is of utmost importance for Miami in this draft, and Barton has shown he should be someone the Dolphins have in mind when they turn in their draft card on Thursday, April 25 in Detroit.
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