2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mark Barron, Alabama
By Editorial Staff
6-1 220lbs Junior
Stats:
2008- 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks
2009- 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, 7 INTs, 11 pass breakups
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:
It’s pretty good to say that a guys question marks involve over aggressiveness. Barron is going to be a good NFL player because he is going to put in the work that will make it necessary to succeed. And it helps that he has a ton of physical ability.
Projected Round:
I think Barron is sitting on the fringe of the 1st and 2nd round. The position of teams drafting will impact when he comes off the draft board.