November 21, 2024
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2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joseph Barksdale

Charlie Campbell4 mins
Strengths:
  • Solid size and frame to add bulk
  • Long arms
  • Very light on his feet
  • Fluid, smooth athlete
  • Outstanding technician
  • A natural knee bender and keeps pads low
  • Love his balance and body control
  • Patient pass protector; sits in his stance, not over-aggressive
  • Displays explosiveness
  • Nice range and can be isolated 1v1
  • Reacts quickly to counter moves; good instincts
  • Understands angles
  • Comfortable in space
  • Starter in SEC since sophomore year
  • Terrific hand punch; keeps hands inside
  • Fantastic agility
  • Gets solid arm extension
  • Moves to second level with ease
  • Heavy hands
  • Highly consistent in pass protection
  • Huge upside and potential
  • Durable
  • Great skill set for an NFL left tackle



    Weaknesses:
  • Doesn’t always finish his blocks
  • Not the most powerful run blocker
  • A little finesse; might lack a mean streak
  • Could get more push in run game
  • Occasionally misses assignments
  • Lacks some vision and awareness

    Summary: I don’t understand why Barksdale isn’t more well regarded as a 2011 NFL Draft prospect nationally, but I really don’t care. I have watched a lot of tape on the most lauded 2010 NFL Draft tackle prospects, and Barksdale’s games are easily the best. He has a very high upside and has the raw talent to be an elite left tackle in the NFL with the prototype technique to boot. He needs to prove he can man the blind side as a senior at LSU, but I think when it’s all said and done, he will at least go in the first two rounds.

    I have questions with Barksdale (pure speculation on my part) because he seems to miss a block or two per game, and I’m slightly concerned about his intelligence. That said, I’m giving Barksdale a first-round grade to start the 2010 season and he’s my No. 1 offensive tackle prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft.

    Player Comparison: Joe Staley. Staley and Barksdale both have the raw athleticism and high level of technique you look for in left tackles, but they are both finesse pass protectors who aren’t very powerful in the run game.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2011 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s


    2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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