The Buffalo Bills have essentially restarted their franchise as the 2024 NFL offseason gets under way. From an external perspective, One Bills Drive appears well-defined and purposefully set up to advance with a young core.
One of the more significant adjustments is in the interior of the offensive line, where general manager Brandon Beane made a number of unexpected moves. The most significant change within that squad was the departure of centre Mitch Morse prior to his entry into free agency. On the inside of the queue, however, there were other noteworthy changes than Morse’s release.
A transaction that transferred veteran swing guard Ryan Bates to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round selection occurred before to the start of free agency. That
Projecting the landing spot for a prospect who played the last three years of his collegiate career at left tackle can prove difficult, especially given the uncertain nature of any draft. Luckily, for this exercise, Barton does have some tape at center where he had the opportunity to start in 2020 for a handful of games.
The 6’5”, 313-pound Barton represents the total package from a traits perspective with plenty of play strength, flexibility, and fluidity as an athlete. He’s extremely scheme-versatile and is likely be a player able to play all five spots in the NFL. However, he’s unlike to be a mainstay at tackle due to his lack of arm length (32 7/8”).
If the Bills are looking for a steady presence at the core of their offensive line, Barton makes a lot of sense. The organization made a point to prioritize center when they signed Morse to a deal worth an annual average of $11 million per year in 2019.
The clip below shows some of the issues that Barton has with length on the perimeter. In the same light, you’ll see his ability to produce flexion to anchor against power, as well drive in the run game against one of this year’s best edge prospects.
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