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The Denver Broncos had a major hole opened up in the interior of their nickel defense when rookie ILB Justin Strnad went down for the year with a wrist injury. They will try to address that by bringing in veteran ILB Mark Barron for a visit.
Broncos scheduled to visit w/veteran LB Mark Barron per multiple sources. 2012 first-round pick was SS early in his career with TB but now listed at 6-2, 230. Also played for LAR/PIT. He would be ILB who can play in space if he signs. He must first clear COVID testing. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 27, 2020
Barron, 30, is a former first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He began his career as a safety, but ultimately converted into an ILB. His 6’2”, 230 pound frame is ideal for a coverage linebacker. He has proven a capable tackler who was a salary cap casualty this offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Pro Football focus, Barron earned a reputation as a coverage linebacker despite never really managing any elite-level seasons as one.
Somehow, Barron earned a reputation as the stereotypical coverage linebacker in the NFL without ever managing to have an elite season in coverage. Over his career, Barron’s career-high coverage grade came with the Los Angeles Rams at 72.3 in 2016, but that fell off to 65.2 in 2017, 54.4 in 2018, and 53.9 with the Steelers this past season.
Terrible. Missed tackles, no instincts, blown coverages, missed PBUs when he was in position. Ugly.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) August 27, 2020
If signed, Barron would go under the tutelage of Vic Fangio’s excellent defensive staff. If Barron’s coverage skills are not what we hope, there is a good chance he’ll improve under this defensive staff. The team certainly isn’t ready to enter the season without a nickle linebacker.