Mark Barron Scouting Report S Alabama Crimson Tide

This is our Mark Baron Scouting report. For all of our other scouting reports here.  

Measurables

6’1″ 213 pounds

33 5/8″ arms, 9 1/2″ hands

Stats (CFB stats)

2011:

2010:

Pros:

Excellent size and length for a safety…can lay the wood…instinctual…physical…good hands for a strong safety…reportedly a film room junkie (seems that way usually in the right place at the right time…well coached…has above average ball skills…terrific in run support…makes big plays….and has pretty good range

Cons:

Doesn’t possess the fluidity in his hips to play effective man to man coverage…questionable speed…will bite on play actions at times…better suited as a strong safety…minor character concerns…tackling fundamentals could use some improvement, did improve a lot from 2010

Player comparison: Darren Sharper

Last year’s scouting report (from former editor Jon Dove)

Pros:

Mark Barron will bring a hard nosed winning style of play to any NFL team that decides to draft him.  He possesses above average size and speed for the safety position and utilizes those abilities to make a difference on the field.  He further enhances his athletic ability by being a student of the game.  He spends countless hours in the film room searching for every possible way to make himself a better player.  That effort is seen with this play on the field as he quickly diagnoses plays and is rarely out of position.  He is a willing and ferocious run defender and has some highlight reel hits in his corner.  His combination of size and speed allow him to match-up 1 on 1 with both tight ends and slot receivers.

Cons:

Barron’s aggressive playing style will sometimes put him a tough spot.  He has a tendency to want to support the run too much and is susceptible to play action.  A quarterback with good ball fake can manipulate Barron out of position from time to time.  He will also go for the big hit too often which results in some missed tackles.  He needs to focus on wrapping up the ball carrier and bringing him to the ground with more consistency.  While Barron can handle 1 on 1 coverage with tight ends and slot guys you should plan on keeping him on an island for an extended period of time.

Thoughts:

My player comparision of Darren Sharper is of Sharper later in his career. Barron doesn’t have great athleticsm but is always around the ball and flying around making plays. Like a veteran Sharper Barron will make plays because he is instinctual, but also like Sharper teams will be able to take advantage of him on one on one situations and by running right at him. Barron could really be a dynamo on special teams early in his career as well. In the modern day N.F.L. strong safeties are a bit devalued as offenses continue to open it up and I’m interested to see how Barron stock is effected by his coverage ability.

Video

2011 vs Penn State (JPdraftjedi)

2010 South Carolina and Florida (JPDraftjedi)

Mark Barron TMB draft (2010)