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OLB, Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
At A Glance | |||||
Position 1: Outside Linebacker | Height: 6-4 | ||||
Position 2: | Weight: 256 | ||||
Class: Senior | Age: | ||||
Projected Round: 1st | 40time: 4.59 |
Combine/Proday Results | |||||
Bench Reps: 21 | Vertical: 40.5 | ||||
20yd Split: 2.68 | Broad Jump: 10'8" | ||||
10yd Split: 1.58 | 20yd Shuttle: 4.18 | ||||
3 Cone Drill: 6.87 |
Pros: Tall with a well-developed upper body. ... Physical at the point of attack. ... Can get under the offensive tackle's pads and push him into the quarterback. ... Has effective stutter and spin moves.
Cons: A bit tight in the hips, is not smooth changing direction or handling coverage in the flat. ... Is not a quick-twitch athlete.
Styg's Broncos Fit: Only one year of defense, but a four-year starter, Barwin shows an exceptional level of maturity and intelligence in his game. Switched from his role as a bruising TE to a bruising SOLB and managed to produce consistently. Coaches acclaim his work ethic and dedication to the game, and it shows in the number of versatile ways he was lined up and used. Engages blockers very well and has the strength to discard, as well as the lower body power to drive them back. Has effective pass-rush moves and uses his hands well to keep blockers out of his frame. He was also a special-teams standout, blocking three punts. A super-intelligent prospect who makes the most of every opportunity, Barwin could be a surprise early pick, even though his fit with Denver's likely scheme isn't surprising at all.
Around MHR:
From "Tales: Connor Barwin":
When I was researching Barwin, I found a great deal of contradictory information. That’s not exactly news in the sports world, but then I noticed a pattern. If the review was written earlier in the season or contained information that was obtained there, it contained certain negatives that changed – quickly – as Barwin began to mature into his new position. The issue of letting players get under his pads is one example. Later in the season, he was using his hands better and better to keep them off his body. It’s a single example of a continuing trend. Connor is a very fast learner.
From "Connor Barwin Electrifies in Proday Workout":
Connor Barwin (also) put on a show on his Pro Day although it was much more of a surprise (than Vontae Davis). He wowed all in attendance by consistently running his 40 yard dash in the 4.5 range. After timing and testing well, Barwin shined (sic) in position drills as a defensive end (his projected pro position) as a TE and outside linebacker. Several scouts thought it was the best workout they’d seen in several springs. That might help Barwin get drafted in the early second or late first round.
Around SBNation:
From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:
Barwin is a classic, overachieving defender with a non-stop motor. He brings it hard every down and plays with a lot of emotion. Incredibly quick off the snap. Good speed that allows him to close quickly on the ball carrier. Developing pass-rush moves. Uses a spin fairly well. Solid covering backs on screens and broke up a lot of passes. Hands aren't great but better than most defensive ends. Strong work ethic. Will immediately be a special teams factor. Really good against returns and blocked three punts as a senior.
From "An Interview with Connor Barwin" at Big Cat Country:
Collin Streetman: What teams do you feel have expressed interest in you?
Connor Barwin: I was in Buffalo, I have a trip to Jacksonville scheduled in April, and St. Louis and Miami has shown interest. New England hasn’t shown interest, but I’ve heard they are intrigued. Denver and Tampa bay are two other teams that seem to like me as well.
Highlights:
Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:
- “Playing outside linebacker combines why I was good at tight end and why I was good at defensive end — as far as being good at tight end because I can play in space; you need to do that more as a standup outside backer. And obviously my ability to rush the passer as a defensive end, you’ll still have to do that as a 3-4 backer,” explained Barwin. [see more...]
- By now most people know of Connor Barwin's transition from a full time TE to a full time DE. His outstanding athleticism allowed him to put up 11 sacks and 16 TFL as a senior despite limited experience at the position. He is probably going to have to transition to a 3-4 OLB at the NFL level, but seems to have the awareness and quickness to make the transition possible. He is a hard worker and his physical tools are very intriguing. If he takes the to 3-4 OLB position he could really develop into a pass rushing threat at the NFL level. [see more...]
- Actually played tight end his first three seasons in college and finished his career with 53 receptions for 692 yards (13.1 avg.) and 6 touchdowns...Could also project to outside linebacker at the next level and some scouts still like him as a tight end...Played 41 games in two seasons as a walk-on with the Bearcats basketball team and scored 45 points...Moved to defensive end as a senior and was a genuine revelation, earning 1st Team All-Big East honors and even leading the conference in sacks...Also blocked three punts and broke up eight passes in 2008...Basically got by on pure talent in 2008 but was still able to made a lot of impact plays and it's scary to think how good he could eventually be...Really improved his draft stock as much as any prospect in the country as a senior...What position he will ultimately end up playing is still up for debate but his intriguing mix of physical tools and potential will make him a valuable commodity on Draft Day. [see more...]
- That production quickly turned him into a solid prospect for the NFL. At 6-4 and 255 pounds he already has the build to play on the end or the outside linebacker spot in a 3-4 defense. He is a slight risk due to his lack of experience at those positions, but his potential is through the roof and somebody will take a shot at him in the second round. [see more...]
- A natural football player who displays a good first step out of his stance and redirects cleanly in space. Has an impressive array of pass rush moves considering he only took up defensive end last season. He doubles as a tight end and adds a lot of versatility to a roster. He has a great attitude, is a hard worker and will find a way to be successful. [see more...]