2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Amaré Barno





  • Amaré Barno, 6-5/239

  • Outside Linebacker

  • Virginia Tech


  • Amaré Barno Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Good length
  • Vision
  • Adept at batting passes in junior year
  • Experienced
  • Quick off the edge
  • Speed to close
  • Quality pursuit defender
  • Reads his keys well




  • Weaknesses:
  • Lacks strength
  • Gets pushed around in the ground game
  • Leggy defender
  • Has issues shedding blocks
  • Needs more pass-rushing moves
  • Gets tied up by blockers
  • Could have issues defending downhill runs coming straight at him
  • Can play too high at times
  • Did not play hard in 2021


  • Summary: In the passing-driven NFL, edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. Teams need starters obviously, but they also need backup edge rushers who have pass-rush ability to rotate into the game to keep starters fresh for all four quarters. Barno has the size and speed to be a backup edge defender who contributes as a rotational designated pass rusher in the NFL.

    Barno broke out for the Hokies in 2020 with 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defended. He looked like he had a lot of upside to build off that season, but in 2021, Barno struggled, recording 35 tackles with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass broken up.



    As a run defender, Barno can get pushed around and struggles to maintain his gap. He is going to need to add more weight to his frame and get tougher to handle the pro game. With how offensive linemen moved Barno around in college, he will have issues with downhill runs coming straight at him. He can also get into trouble in the ground game and pass rush when he stands up too high. If Barno is able to gain more weight, that would make him a much stronger candidate for playing end in a 4-3 defense.

    In the pass rush, Barno is quick off the edge and shows nice vision with instincts to adjust to the offense. He has speed to close and can run around blockers. Barno flashed more consistent and dangerous pass-rush ability in 2020, and team sources say they felt Barno was protecting himself in 2021 and not playing as hard.

    Barno would fit best in the NFL as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker. He also could play end in a 4-3, but he would need time to get bigger and stronger to hold up against pro offensive tackles. Barno could be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and contribute as a backup and rotational pass rusher.



    Player Comparison: Alex Highsmith. Barno reminds me of Highsmith coming out of Charlotte. Highsmith (6-4, 242) and Barno are similar in size, but Highsmith is a tougher run defender. Highsmith was a late third-round pick in 2020, and Barno could be a mid-rounder this year.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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