LB Justin Barron getting some love

gimmesix

gimmesix

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19) Which UDFA Can Make Biggest Impact?​


Nick: I always love this question because usually, someone is going to be right. The Cowboys have had a lot of success in this area, so there will be a player or two, maybe three, that make this team and contribute. When I was watching the first OTA practice with the rookies, No. 55 Justin Barron stood out the most to me. He looked just as quick and fluid as Shemar James in the drills I saw. Nothing against James, but Barron looks like he belongs as well. Has great size and seems like the kind of player that will immediately contribute on special teams and could be a backup linebacker as well. It's a position of need for one, but Barron looks the part, too. That's one player I see making it as an UDFA player.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/19-which-udfa-can-make-biggest-impact
 
Bleacher report:

POSITIVES
  • Former defensive back and a good athlete to help cover wide receivers on short routes or running backs and tight ends.
  • Can back pedal or turn and run to ROBOT against play action and take away the middle of the field.
  • Has the acceleration to click and close when playing zone coverage.
  • Takes on blocks with his hands.
  • Decent speed in pursuit.
NEGATIVES
  • Shaky instincts as a run defender. Plays passively and doesn't seem to understand when he can attack downhill.
  • Not physical when taking on blocks and lacks the mass and strength to anchor against offensive linemen and blocking tight ends.
  • Doesn't have much force when tackling and has a habit of lunging, leading to a lot of misses over the last two seasons.
  • Overpursues and struggles to break down when trying to make open-field tackles.
  • Will get caught staring into the backfield too long when playing zone coverage.
OVERALL

Justin Barron is a converted safety who could potentially become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. However, his run defense and tackling need work, which likely pushes him into undrafted-free-agent territory.

Barron figures to spend his first year or two in the NFL on a practice squad, but he has the potential to eventually become a decent backup linebacker and special teams contributor.

GRADE: 5.4 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)

PRO COMPARISON: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

According to Bloggingtheboys his Pro Comparison is Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons.

Kiper had him ranked #27 ILB.
 
Last edited:
big dog cowboy said:
Bleacher report:

POSITIVES
  • Former defensive back and a good athlete to help cover wide receivers on short routes or running backs and tight ends.
  • Can back pedal or turn and run to ROBOT against play action and take away the middle of the field.
  • Has the acceleration to click and close when playing zone coverage.
  • Takes on blocks with his hands.
  • Decent speed in pursuit.
NEGATIVES
  • Shaky instincts as a run defender. Plays passively and doesn't seem to understand when he can attack downhill.
  • Not physical when taking on blocks and lacks the mass and strength to anchor against offensive linemen and blocking tight ends.
  • Doesn't have much force when tackling and has a habit of lunging, leading to a lot of misses over the last two seasons.
  • Overpursues and struggles to break down when trying to make open-field tackles.
  • Will get caught staring into the backfield too long when playing zone coverage.
OVERALL

Justin Barron is a converted safety who could potentially become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. However, his run defense and tackling need work, which likely pushes him into undrafted-free-agent territory.

Barron figures to spend his first year or two in the NFL on a practice squad, but he has the potential to eventually become a decent backup linebacker and special teams contributor.

GRADE: 5.4 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)

PRO COMPARISON: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

According to Bloggingtheboys his Pro Comparison is Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons.

Kiper had him ranked #27 ILB.
Click to expand...
I see Barron as a player with good instincts potential but not quite there. His instincts could be refined some. Can be a good ST starting player with a role as a backup. Reminds me some of Markquese Bell, but less athletic. Has a savvy, heads up aspect to his game that makes him a good risk on a defense with takeaway style defense.
 
Like this player slot. In this questionable linebacker room, I can see him getting rotational reps in games.
 
Hardline said:
I only get excited when players do it in the regular season.
Click to expand...
I understand since preseason stars have disappeared completely, and we're not even to the preseason yet. But this is all we've got to go on, so I enjoy reading these takes over nothing at all ... or players being in the best shape of their lives.
 
Hardline said:
I only get excited when players do it in the regular season.
Click to expand...
Coogiguy03 said:
POST OF THE NIGHT
Click to expand...
That goes without saying. Just like ... show us on the field in real games.

However, there is nothing wrong with some excitement of the potential of the players during TC and PS games.
Every fan knows it may mean nothing, but it really does in away.
 
I have Barron as being on the PS.
If he has a chance to make the 53. He will need to produce on ST's.
It also depends on how many LB's they keep. 5 or 6. And do the count Micah as a LB or DE.
With Overshown starting the season on PUP, there is an opening there. Especially if Clark does not pan out or James.
 
big dog cowboy said:
Bleacher report:

POSITIVES
  • Former defensive back and a good athlete to help cover wide receivers on short routes or running backs and tight ends.
  • Can back pedal or turn and run to ROBOT against play action and take away the middle of the field.
  • Has the acceleration to click and close when playing zone coverage.
  • Takes on blocks with his hands.
  • Decent speed in pursuit.
NEGATIVES
  • Shaky instincts as a run defender. Plays passively and doesn't seem to understand when he can attack downhill.
  • Not physical when taking on blocks and lacks the mass and strength to anchor against offensive linemen and blocking tight ends.
  • Doesn't have much force when tackling and has a habit of lunging, leading to a lot of misses over the last two seasons.
  • Overpursues and struggles to break down when trying to make open-field tackles.
  • Will get caught staring into the backfield too long when playing zone coverage.
OVERALL

Justin Barron is a converted safety who could potentially become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. However, his run defense and tackling need work, which likely pushes him into undrafted-free-agent territory.

Barron figures to spend his first year or two in the NFL on a practice squad, but he has the potential to eventually become a decent backup linebacker and special teams contributor.

GRADE: 5.4 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)

PRO COMPARISON: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

According to Bloggingtheboys his Pro Comparison is Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons.

Kiper had him ranked #27 ILB.
Click to expand...
Wonder if he could potentially make a good option in the nickel, with some work on his tackling.
 
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