Throughout the seemingly endless draft season, rumors about certain prospects being linked to certain teams ebb and flow like the tide. Names come in, linger for a bit, and then recede. It’s the nature of a drawn-out process that requires a constant search for new subjects, angles and story-lines.

In Pittsburgh, that process has linked the Steelers to a host of current players. There’s been talk of trading up in the draft to acquire a top receiver like Rome Odunze or to take one at number 20 like Brian Thomas Jr. There’s been a link to some of the draft’s better offensive tackles, like Amarius Mims and J.C. Latham. Corner has been another position of interest, where names like Nate Wiggins and Kool-Aid McKinstry have been floated. No position group has generated more buzz in Pittsburgh than center, where the Steelers have been attached to all the top prospects — Zach Frazier, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Sedrick Van Pran in particular.

The latest name to surface in this quest to identify the true apple of the team’s collective eye is Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton. Barton predominantly played offensive tackle in college, logging over 2,000 snaps there in 33 starts over three-plus seasons. But he did start six games at center his freshman year, and many scouts see Barton as better suited to play on the interior of the line in the NFL rather than at tackle. They cite his lack of elite length as one reason, but also note that his size (6’5-314 pounds), athleticism (9.99 RAS score at the Combine) and intelligence make him a great guard or center prospect, especially in an offense heavy on wide zone, bootleg and pin-and-pull sweep plays like the one Arthur Smith is expected to use in Pittsburgh.

Reports have surfaced that suggest the Steelers are high on Barton because of his versatility. SCN’s Jeff Hartman mentioned as much on his “Let’s Ride” podcast last week. This makes sense, given the fact the team is unsettled at both the center and tackle positions. The release of Mason Cole, their starting center the past two years, has created a void in the middle they have yet to fill. And by jettisoning Chuks Okorafor, and debating as to whether Dan Moore Jr. should return to the starting lineup, there are questions about the quality and depth of their tackles as well.

The Steelers will probably add a veteran center to their roster sometime between now and the draft. Brian Allen, formerly of the Rams, ex-Miami center Conner Williams and a reunion with Cole are all possibilities. Any of those three could be a bridge center who would allow Barton time to re-acclimate at the position should the Steelers select him. In the meantime, Barton could be eased onto the field as a third tackle in the heavy packages Smith often used when he was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee, or as a backup to Moore and last year’s top pick, Broderick Jones. Having a player with Barton’s versatility is a luxury the team may find too valuable to ignore.

As a player, Barton’s athleticism really pops on film. He gets off of the football with a suddenness that often allows him to win first contact against opposing defenders. He plays with good leverage and power, and he has “heavy hands,” which means he tends to jolt defenders when he strikes them. Barton’s feet are excellent, and he excelled at Duke on wide zone plays where he had to reach-block linemen or climb to the second level to cut off linebackers. He was excellent at flipping his hips on contact to seal defenders and create running lanes for ball-carriers. These are all valuable traits that translate well to the scheme many anticipate from Smith.

An argument can be made for the Steelers selecting a true center like Frazier or Powers-Johnson over Barton, or if they prefer a tackle, for drafting the more highly-rated Mims. But Barton made 39 total college starts to just eight for Mims, and his athleticism could make him a better fit than Frazier or Powers-Johnson. The combination of Barton’s best traits — experience, versatility, athleticism — may qualify him as the lineman the Steelers prefer. He should be available at 1:20 as well. When you add it all up, don’t be shocked if he’s the choice.

For my recent video breakdown of Barton, check out player below, or the link HERE: