Anthony Barr: Lost In The Shuffle
February 24th, 2014
Not long ago, Joe mocked the mockers for suggesting the Bucs would draft an outside linebacker with the seventh overall pick. It frankly made no sense.
Then, the great Mike Mayock explained that a stud outside linebacker who is also a tremendous pass rusher could stay on the field at all times; playing outside linebacker on run plays and lining up at defensive end on pass plays.
Right away that made all the sense in the world why many mockers thought the Bucs would be all over Khalil Mack of Buffalo.
But this scenario also overlooks another guy who could do just about the same thing as Mack, and that would be Anthony Barr. The UCLA linebacker is thought by some as the best 43 outside linebacker in the draft, but he has shown a strong ability to rush the quarterback. He like Mack,, during his media session at the NFL Scouting Combine, said he believes he can put his hand in the dirt and play defensive end.
“I’d say yes,” Barr said. “I feel comfortable at this weight, but if a team would ask me to put on weight and put my hand on the ground I’m doing that.”
In short, he wants to be thought of as the west coast version of Jadeveon Clowney.
“I haven’t really watched any tape on him,” Barr said. “I’m very comfortable rushing the passer. I continue to say there’s a lot I need to work on. But to be mentioned with Clowney is pretty cool.”
Barr is nothing if not flexible. He started out as a running back for the Bruins and about 30 percent of the time, he said, he would drop back into pass coverage.
The Bucs selecting him would mean he convinced Jason Licht and Lovie Smith that he can rush the quarterback as a defensive end.
February 23rd, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Lotta good choices…..
February 24th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
The guy is all upside and potential, shouldnt be the pick at 7 but Lovie and co. would make a killer player out of him at mid to late 1st
February 24th, 2014 at 12:11 pm
Some recent mocks have A. Barr moving into the top ten with T.Bridgewater falling out of the top ten. Bridgewater has hurt his stock by not participating in the combine. Personally, when I see a QB skip certain drills, I feel they have something to hide. They claim they need a controlled environment, throwing to receivers they are used to, which is malarkey. During live game time conditions, it’s anything but a controlled environment. Beyond injury they all should have to participate or don’t come to the combine. The combine is invite only and they took away a spot from a hungry player who could use the media coverage..
February 24th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
With “Clown”ey (Clown Shoes) not wanting to participate in the rest of the field drills this morning, I have a feeling he will be there at pick #7.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Watkins, Robinson, Matthews, Mack or Barr, any of these would be excellent selections at pick 7, and by some weird circumstance none of them are there that means at least three of these 4 would be, Clowney, Bortles, Manziel or Bridgewater.
Given Minnesota’s need for QB and DE, I’d imagine we could get a trade partner, move back a couple spots recoup a 3rd rounder or more, and still get a very good pick (maybe not as good as the first 5 I mentioned, but if they’re off the board anyways, why not)
February 24th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
I would much rather have Kmack as he is native to defense and looks like a better overall player than Barr. I hope they pass on this guy I don’t see him getting it done like KMack.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
I don’t know… I watched several Bruin games this year and he just did not impress me very much at all. At times he looked lost in coverage and really not a lot of “splash” plays. He would be late to the tackle and at times nowhere to be found. He has the physical tools (pretty big and fast), but to spend the number 7 pick on this guy seems like a stretch to me.
February 24th, 2014 at 12:34 pm
If someone paid me 7 figures I would wear clown shoes or a big ass pirate flag on my helmet.
February 24th, 2014 at 6:50 pm
If we go LB then Mack is the only option. If he’s not there then go to a different position. Qb preferably.
February 24th, 2014 at 7:19 pm
@Clowney: Could I get the original size image of your avatar? I want to put it to good use on a different site.