“See What Kind Of Player I Really Am”
August 7th, 2014
Mark Barron wants his play to talk
Perhaps no Buccaneer outside of Mike Glennon Josh McCown has more to prove than Mark Barron.
The 2012 No. 7 overall pick has played nowhere near his draft status.
Tampa Tribune columnist/humorist Marin Fennelly caught up with Barron after practice yesterday for a heart-to-heart chat. Barron says he’s ready to live up to his billing.
“I just feel ready for a good year with this system and the way it’s set up for (safeties) to make plays and cause turnovers,” Barron said. “I just want everybody to see what kind of player I really am.”
Barron feels poised for a breakout that will more than validate going seventh overall in the 2012 draft. The man picked two spots behind him at No. 9, linebacker Luke Kuechly, was, in consecutive seasons, voted defensive rookie of the year and defensive player of the year. The soft-spoken Barron displayed promise and packed some wallop.
His talent is obvious. Now he needs to consistently show it.
“I don’t regret being picked seventh,” Barron said. “I see myself in that light.”
It’s time to flip the switch.
Joe’s glad to hear the chatter, but Joe’s got to see it on the field. At some point, players run out of excuses no matter what they are. Yes, Barron has said he had issues running last year after a knee injury but played through it, and that’s noble. And Barron has been a decent football player. But Barron must produce now like a top pick.
If not, he’ll be in the same boat as Adrian Clayborn is now. Entering a fourth season after the Bucs’ declined the expensive fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
August 7th, 2014 at 12:52 pm
To Mark Barron,
August 7th, 2014 at 12:53 pm
don’t get into adrian slowborn’s boat. its sinking!
signed,
The Bucs
August 7th, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Trick is….just how are/will DB’s and SS…inflict pain and break the will of the opponents within the “rules”….me thinks …ribs..stomach…wrenching lower backs….shoulders…many ways to cause pain and second thoughts in the enemies mind….
August 7th, 2014 at 1:11 pm
So what if he doesn’t play like the 7th pick? What if he just continues to be a solid, above average safety? Are we going to continue to make an issue of the fact that he was picked so high? If so, why? IMHO, his draft position is not relevant anymore. Happy we have a safety with his skills on the roster, and hoping he stays healthy and makes the most of his talent.
August 7th, 2014 at 1:28 pm
@ Orca
I would agree with you on your point except for 1 thing, Your draft selection is tied to your salary. at least the new agreement lessens the salary hit for 1st rounders, Mark Barron is a 4 million and next year almost 5 million. With big salary comes big expectations.
August 7th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
This Kuechly thing does bother me. I think it is safe to guess that if he were picked we would have not chosen LVD in round 2. So, looking at stats
Tackles. Solo tackles. Tackles for loss. Sacks fumbles Fumble recovery. Int
145. 107. 21. 7. 2. 1. 5
156. 93. 10. 2. 0. 0. 4
Pick the nfl player of the year. First set of stats goes to LVD. So sick of the national Kuechly love, it’s unfounded.
August 7th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Tnew,
My thoughts exactly, had we picked Kuechly we surely would not have drafted another LB in the 2nd round. I would take David over Kuechly despite his accolades. David is more athletic and IMO has more upside.
August 7th, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Watch the highlight reel on Barron as a Buc… A HIGHLIGHT REEL WITH TWO GOD AWFUL DE MS I’VE SCHEMES…. yet Mark can make it look good.
August 7th, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Joe .. Your off your nut. No way Barron has been a disappointment. My God all the greats take a couple years to show an impact. This crap of trashing our players who have not had time and who have shown great promise as Barron has is just ridiculous. Comparing him to Bower”s is just absurd . And speaking of Bowers the dude has been hurt let him play over a full season and then he can be judged. No wonder Lovie always looks at you, after you ask a question, like you have 2 heads. Get one if them out of your ass. I’m guessing you were throwing McCoy under the bus after a couple injuries.
August 7th, 2014 at 5:56 pm
i don’t think we will regret this pick. barron can be darn effective and i predict he will be a fan favorite under this coaching staff.
August 7th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
as i mentioned in another post, nobody knew who the heck john lynch was ahead of his 3rd season. barron has plenty of time to work his way into the hearts of fans and talking heads
August 7th, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Kuechly one of the most hyped guys in the league I would take LVD everyday and twice on Sunday
August 7th, 2014 at 8:25 pm
Like the Bears LB Urlacher, Kuechly seems to be riding the great white hope popularity bandwagon.
August 7th, 2014 at 11:10 pm
I think Barron has played terrific. He tackles very well and has tremendous instincts. It’s just touch to excel when you play behind a terrible D-line and a below average middle linebacker. Not to mention one of the most pathetic defensive coordinators to ever hold that title in the NFL.