First Round Analysis - Anthony Barr

For the third year in a row, the Vikings have at least two first round picks. That's pretty great, considering the talent we've gotten. In 2012 we got Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith, both who should be starting and performing at a very high level for us for years to come. Last year we got Xavier Rhodes, Shariff Floyd, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson burst onto the scene in all three aspects of the offensive game-passing, running, and returning kickoffs-and Norv Turner's offense is going to feature him a lot more this year. Floyd and Rhodes are both going to be assuming starting roles and look to be in good shape to do so. After trading down one spot with the Browns and getting an additional 5th round pick, the Vikings drafted Anthony Barr.

Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA:

from: nfl.si.com

There were rumors floating around about the Vikings being interested in Barr, but I honestly didn't think it would happen. At nearly 6'5" and 255 lbs, he's a bit big for the prototypical 4-3 linebacker size, and he's a bit small for a 4-3 defensive end. He'd been repeatedly mocked to the Titans, who will be running a 3-4 this year, as he is seen as a pass rushing outside linebacker. 

But Barr has all the athletic tools to succeed in any system. While he's only played on the defensive side of the ball for two years, his production during those two years is a good indicator that Barr can grasp a defensive scheme and handle his assignments well. If we're just looking at projection, who knows how high his ceiling could be? He hasn't been playing defense for long. He ran a 4.66 forty yard dash at the combine, which is good, but then he ran a 4.45 at his pro day, which is astounding. He has the sideline to sideline speed that you always hear about that teams covet. 

I'm going to analyze Barr in relation to the different assignments he'll be asked to play. I'm getting most of this information from the scouting report posted on bleacherreport.com. I'm going to start with a graph rating different aspects of Barr's game.

from:bleacherreport.com

Pass Rushing: This is the skill that made him stand out and pushed him into the conversation for a top first round pick. He has a very quick first step (what everyone says about why Jadeveon Clowney will be so good), and then he follows that with tremendous speed. Hence the 8 he scores for initial quickness. He also has a great counter, as in when he gets the tackle to commit to the outside speed rush he cuts underneath to the inside. His crazy agility allows him to pull off those stunts. Yet according to the graph, Barr only registers a 7 overall for pass rushing. That's because he still has plenty to work on. His power moves need the most work. But that can be taught, and I don't have any doubts that we have the right coaches to help with that. A little more strength will help as well (he didn't put up awesome bench numbers), and that's a weight room assignment that he will have many chances to rectify.

from: all22breakdown.com

Run Support: This needs some work. At a 5, the only ranking lower is his strength, which would help immensely in run support. He doesn't shed blocks well, and once a lineman has engaged him he's pretty much out of the play. Most of his power comes from his legs, so once he gets his upper body stronger he should be able to push off easier. He has the awareness-he knows where he needs to be-he just needs more practice and experience. Working against someone like Matt Kalil and learning from Everson Griffin and Brian Robison will benefit him tremendously. Chad Greenway will also be great at showing him the ropes, as Barr will most likely play the opposite linebacker spot. One thing Barr does extremely well in run support is chase the ball carrier from behind, especially when the play is going away from him. It's all about speed and athleticism in those situations, and Barr already has that.

from: nfl.com

Pass Coverage: A prospect scouted as a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker probably isn't good in coverage, right? Most of the time, yeah, but that's not the case with Barr. He doesn't have the awareness and experience yet, but he has the speed and agility necessary to play well in space, especially in the zone that I think the Vikings will be running with their linebackers most of the time. At the point he's at now, he gets a rating of 7 for zone coverage, and 6 for man coverage. That's good for a linebacker who will probably be used to rush the passer on most downs. He picked up his role on defense quickly at UCLA, so I don't expect him to struggle for long when learning what his role in Zimmer's 4-3 defense will be. 

I personally do not know what Zimmer's defense is going to look like. The question right now, when discussing Barr, is how often are they going to blitz more than four players. In the past, the Vikings have been all about rushing only their four down lineman. With Barr though, you have to think Zimmer will be sending him at the passer, at least on obvious passing downs. Xavier Rhodes should take a step forward in his ability to cover, and Munnerlyn will help a lot on the back end. The Vikings will still draft a safety yet to hopefully start next to Harrison Smith or to provide valuable rotation minutes, and I still think they take another linebacker who excels in coverage, like Telvin Smith from Florida State or Christian Kirksey from Iowa. Better coverage means we can afford to send another guy to harass the quarterback. I'm exited to see what Barr can do when combined with Robison, Griffin, and Floyd against the NFC North's quarterbacks. A few more plays with Aaron Rodgers on his backside, or watching Cutler and Stafford try to scramble away from pressure, will always be welcome.