Cowboys 7-round 2024 mock draft: Reloading the offense for Super Bowl run

Round 1, Pick 24: Graham Barton, OL

Technically listed as an OT, Graham Barton is lineman capable of playing any position across the line. The Duke product is an extremely intelligent and versatile athlete and should be able to slide into the center role on Day 1. Thought by many scouts to be his best position, Barton has a chance to be special very early in his career.

The Cowboys value versatility on their offensive line. Being adaptable has been important in the Mike Solari era and adding another lineman with position flex will allow the Cowboys to handle the line more fluidly in Tyron Smith and Zack Martin’s final years.

In this simulation, Jackson Powers-Johnson went off the board at 21 along with the Cowboys’ top OT prospects. The departure of Biadasz at center provides a clear path for Barton to start and this prospect possess all the size, power, smarts, and athleticism to provide an instant upgrade.

At 6-foot-5, 314-pounds, Barton is a well-built prospect with high-end potential. His arm length is considered the biggest thing holding him back from cleanly projecting at OT, but even that position can’t be ruled out based on how well-rounded his game is.

Barton is a hard worker who plays through the whistle. He will need technical refinement at whatever position he eventually lands but the same could be said for any offensive line prospect not name Joe Alt.  Barton fills short-term and long-term needs and comes into the NFL with immediate position flex.