Tim Barnes NFL Draft Scouting Report

6'4, 300 pounds | Center| Missouri

Agility:  While at Missouri, Barnes was asked to pull, and get to the second level quite often.  He has no trouble using his quickness and good feet to do these things.  He has the ability to get his snap off and make the correct steps towards his destination. He is very good at making sure his snap and punch is all in one motion.

Movement:  As mentioned in the agility section, Barnes has a great tool in his ability to move his feet and get were he is going quickly.  He finds his target and makes sure to at least get in his way, to give the ball carrier an opportunity.  Similar to a few years ago when the Colts selected Mike Pollak and moved him to guard, I could see the same possibility with Barnes, due to his ability to move and quickness.

Pass Blocking: Has a tendency in pass pro to make a great snap and immediately take one or two steps backward.  This bad habit needs to be corrected to more lateral movement.  He sometimes struggled to reach quicker 3-technique linemen, often lunging and whiffing.  When in pass protection, he has a solid base and shows the ability to anchor.  He is very good at absorbing contact, but can be over powered into the backfield by stronger competition. Needs to do a better job of sitting into his stance. That being said, he is very capable of fixing these concerns with good coaching at the next level.

Quickness: His quickness can be a strength but also a weakness, it depends on what part of his game you are evaluating.  He is very quick at getting to the outside and locking onto defenders.  He also can climb to the next level and lock out a linebacker.  He needs to work on his lateral quickness when facing the quicker defensive tackles.

Run Blocking: Unlike his pass blocking, Barnes sits into his stance and fires out when run blocking.  He makes good contact after the snap and gets in a solid punch on the defender.  He needs to work on staying low and using leverage when driving his opponent. He has no problem staying engaged with the defender, even if he is getting driven back.   When he is engaged, he has shown he can turn the defender, even if its slightly to make a crease.

Strength: I was impressed with Barnes' upper body strength on film.  He would usher defenders around with one arm with ease.  He needs to work on his anchor strength though, as he occasionally struggled to stop a bull rush.  Overall though, I feel Barnes is strong enough to last in the NFL.

Technique: As mentioned earlier, his ability to sit in his stance, make a great snap and punch is a strength.  But his footwork needs work in pass pro.  Lateral steps need to replace the multiple steps backwards.  He is a very intelligent player and has the ability to lead any offensive line.  His smarts will help him recognize blitzes and stunts prior to the pre-snap.

Final Word: I'm a big fan of Barnes.  He does have a lot to work on to be successful at the next level, but everything is correctable in my opinion.  He does need to show at the Combine that the past four years in the spread offense, snapping in shotgun, won't be an issue.  He is the prototypical size for an interior lineman in the NFL, with the barrel chest, good strength and technique.  I could see Barnes as the second center prospect off the board come draft day.