Mark Barron NFL Draft scouting notes

Mark Barron
6'2, 210 pounds | Strong safety | Alabama
 
First word: Barron, a senior, was expected to follow several of his Alabama teammates into the NFL following last season. He returned partially because he had a torn pectoral muscle against Auburn which caused him to miss the Capitol One Bowl. When Barron is healthy, he's a proven commodity as a downhill box safety with some pop in his game. What will keep Barron down in the draft is a lack of any great tools, especially athleticism. He can be stiff in his movement and doesn't change direction incredibly well. While Barron has the strength to handle most ball carriers, his tackling fundamentals aren't always sound. In the end, Barron is a classic low ceiling, high floor prospect who probably won't be a major player in the NFL.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Penn State, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn, Michigan State

Bold Statement: Barron's draft status will depend on how well he does at the NFL Scouting Combine, at his pro day and in private workouts.

Mark Barron
6'2, 210 pounds | Strong safety | Alabama

Notes

• Has good size for the position and knows how to use it to his advantage. Barron has the strength and length to cover tight ends and lay a hit. Still, he's probably better in zone coverage because he's not espescially loose hipped
 
• Because Barron is a little stiff, he has trouble against athletic receivers and run more complex routes. Against Florida in the 2010 SEC title game, tight end Aaron Hernandez gave Barron a lot of difficulty, for instance.
 
• While he's good at locating and running down the ball carrier, the trouble is that Barron can get overconfident in his hitting ability and isn't always a fundamentally sound tackler.
 
• Rarely gets himself out of position while a play is developing, which displays his football intelligence. He does have a tendency, though, to bite on play action.
 
• His best asset is probably playing downhill agianst the run. When he squares up, he can easily handle ball carriers one on one.
 
• In the passing game, Barron is at his best when the play is developing in front of him. He's shown plenty in the past that he has a good eye for the ball and decent hands to break up a pass.
 
• Character will have to be checked out. Was arrested in March on misdemeanor hindering prosecution charges.