2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joseph Barksdale
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Strengths: Solid size and frame to add bulk
Long arms
Very light on his feet
Fluid, smooth athlete
Outstanding technician
A natural knee bender and keeps pads low
Love his balance and body control
Patient pass protector; sits in his stance, not over-aggressive
Displays explosiveness
Nice range and can be isolated 1v1
Reacts quickly to counter moves; good instincts
Understands angles
Comfortable in space
Starter in SEC since sophomore year
Terrific hand punch; keeps hands inside
Fantastic agility
Gets solid arm extension
Moves to second level with ease
Heavy hands
Highly consistent in pass protection
Huge upside and potential
Durable
Great skill set for an NFL left tackle
Weaknesses: Doesn't always finish his blocks
Not the most powerful run blocker
A little finesse; might lack a mean streak
Could get more push in run game
Occasionally misses assignments
Lacks some vision and awareness
Summary: I don't understand why Barksdale isn't more well regarded as a 2011 NFL Draft prospect nationally, but I really don't care. I have watched a lot of tape on the most lauded 2010 NFL Draft tackle prospects, and Barksdale's games are easily the best. He has a very high upside and has the raw talent to be an elite left tackle in the NFL with the prototype technique to boot. He needs to prove he can man the blind side as a senior at LSU, but I think when it's all said and done, he will at least go in the first two rounds.
I have questions with Barksdale (pure speculation on my part) because he seems to miss a block or two per game, and I'm slightly concerned about his intelligence. That said, I'm giving Barksdale a first-round grade to start the 2010 season and he's my No. 1 offensive tackle prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Joe Staley. Staley and Barksdale both have the raw athleticism and high level of technique you look for in left tackles, but they are both finesse pass protectors who aren't very powerful in the run game.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Matt's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: I don't understand why Barksdale isn't more well regarded as a 2011 NFL Draft prospect nationally, but I really don't care. I have watched a lot of tape on the most lauded 2010 NFL Draft tackle prospects, and Barksdale's games are easily the best. He has a very high upside and has the raw talent to be an elite left tackle in the NFL with the prototype technique to boot. He needs to prove he can man the blind side as a senior at LSU, but I think when it's all said and done, he will at least go in the first two rounds.
I have questions with Barksdale (pure speculation on my part) because he seems to miss a block or two per game, and I'm slightly concerned about his intelligence. That said, I'm giving Barksdale a first-round grade to start the 2010 season and he's my No. 1 offensive tackle prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Joe Staley. Staley and Barksdale both have the raw athleticism and high level of technique you look for in left tackles, but they are both finesse pass protectors who aren't very powerful in the run game.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Matt's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports