OLB Anthony Barr, Sr, UCLA

Measurables: 6’4” 245 lbs

Strengths:

• Impact Pass rusher, has 19.5 sacks since the start of the 2012 season
• Has a good first step and the speed to get around top offensive tackles
• Plays the run well and holds the edge
• Good instincts and always seems to be around the play
• Great effort player, doesn’t give up on plays
• Plays with good leverage can get low and make it tough on the lineman
• Good all-around athletic ability to change direction or run down ball carriers
• Has played on a very well coached UCLA defense
• Has fared well against some high octane offenses in the Pac-12

Weaknesses:

• Limited defensive experience. Was a running back until 2012 and is still pretty raw with some nuances of the position.
• Doesn’t use hands well to disengage from offensive linemen or to keep them from getting into his body.
• Doesn’t have as much experience in coverage and could be a liability
• Can fall for misdirection at times
• May not be a full time starter year one similar to Aldon Smith
• Could struggle in a 4-3 based system

Analysis:

Before 2012 Anthony Barr was a running back and special teamer, but the UCLA coaching staff moved him to linebacker where his career took off. Instead of starting in the Bruin’s backfield, Barr has been living in opponent’s backfields for these past two years. He is so athletically gifted with great speed off the edge, and has the potential to be an elite pass rusher. He’s still a bit more on the raw side so it could take a year or two to be at his full potential, but he could still have a major impact as a pass rusher in the meantime. Barr could surpass Clowney as the top defensive player taken and is a lock to go in the top 10 and possibly top 5 picks.