2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joseph Barksdale, LSU

Joseph Barksdale – OT #78 – LSU

6’5″ 315lbs Senior

Stats:

– Played in 14 games as a freshman. Mainly a special-teamer, he also saw backup action in 8 games.

– Started every game at Right Tackle since his Sophomore Season

– Will play Left Tackle this season

Pros:

Barksdale has the ideal size and athleticism that NFL teams look for in their left tackles. A really good pass protector that gives little to no ground once he locks into the defender. Good footwork and patience, he doesn’t lunge into his blocks and is quick into his stance. Gets to the second level easily in the run game and is a tough challenge for linebackers to both disengage from or get around.

Cons:

Isn’t as quick as he needs to be at recognizing blitzes and stunts. Not a mauler in the run game. Relies more on his athleticism over technique.

Thoughts:

Barksdale has a lot of potential, but if he wants to avoid the fate of the man he is replacing (Ciron Black, a heralded tackle who went undrafted and is still unsigned) he’ll need to treat his final college season as though it were his first professional one. Work on his technique, spend lots of time in the film room, and become more of a leadership presence on the team. Showing how much playing means to him by having a great senior season could make him a lock for the first round, but if he can’t show up to his potential, he will get the “Right Tackle Only” label and fall out of the first round.

Projected Round:

Late 1st early 2nd