Weaknesses:
Summary: Barron broke out across college football with a massive season as a sophomore. He was the leading cog on the back end of the Alabama defense that led the Crimson Tide to a National Championship. He recorded 76 tackles, seven interceptions, 3.5 tackles for a loss and 11 passes broken up. After that debut, Barron had huge expectations heading into 2010, but didn’t have nearly as good a season. He had some coverage lapses and totaled 75 tackles with three interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble. Alabama’s defense as a whole was very disappointing.
As a senior, Barron bounced back and had a strong season. He was back to his instinctive self and made his presence felt on a weekly basis more than his stats illustrate. Barron had 68 tackles with five passes broken up, five tackles for a loss and two interceptions. He played well in the matchups against LSU.
When watching Alabama, Barron jumps out and is all over the field. He makes tackles in run support and always seems to be in the right spot in pass coverage. He is a big safety who may be the hardest-hitting player at his position in the 2012 NFL Draft class.
Player Comparison: Adrian Wilson. Barron could be an NFL player who turns out to be similar to Wilson. Wilson has been one of the best strong safeties in the NFL over the past decade. He was a third-round pick in 2001 out of North Carolina State, but Wilson obviously should have been drafted in the first round.
Both Wilson and Barron are physical football players that are always around the ball. Wilson (6-3, 230) is heavier than Barron, but when he entered the NFL, he was 213 pounds. Over his impressive career, Wilson has been a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Barron has a similar game to Wilson, and he has the potential to be a special strong safety.
NFL Matches: Dallas, Cincinnati, San Diego, New England, Green Bay
Barron could be a fit for a lot of teams in the first round. Dallas, Cincinnati and San Diego all need safety help. They pick at Nos. 14, 17 and 18, respectively. That is probably the highest that Barron could hope to go.
New England had some ugly safety play during the 2011 season, and that position has to be addressed. It seems unlikely that Barron would get past both of the Patriots first-round picks late on Thursday night. Green Bay could also use safety help depending on the future of Nick Collins. Barron has excelled in a complex 3-4 defense in college, so that would make him a good fit for the Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots and Packers.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Dec. 15
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
