2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DL Christian Barmore

Positional ranking: #1

Big Board ranking: #16

 

Overview

Position: DL

College: Alabama

Class: Sophomore (RS)

Age: 21

 

Measurables

Height: 6’4 1/8”

Weight: 310 lbs.

Arm length: 33 5/8″

Hand size: 10″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 4.98 sec.

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: 7.81 sec.

Short shuttle: 4.75 sec.

 

Strengths

Great natural feel for how to win as a pass rusher on the interior. Prototype size and length. Tremendous combination of raw strength and athleticism. Very impressive movements skills for a defensive lineman. Exceptional first-step quickness and acceleration for his size. Hands are heavy and active. Immediately gets his hands on blockers at the snap. Creates easy leverage. Uses length to extend and keep blockers off his frame when moving upfield. Quick to win and get to the quarterback. Impressive bend. Routinely double-teamed in pass-rush situations. Outstanding pursuit when the ball is close. Engulfing tackler/finisher. Should be able to add a more powerful counter rip move. Will get his hands up to disrupt passing lanes. Has experience playing a variety of techniques inside. Really flashed in the biggest games. Can be unblockable in one-on-one situations.

 

Weaknesses

Much less impactful versus the run. Used in a heavy rotation at Alabama. Not on the field in short-yardage situations. Can get blown off the ball as a run defender. Not someone defensive coordinators will want anchoring at this point. Would like to see more of a second gear when he doesn’t win early.

 

NFL comparison

Chris Jones

 

Conclusion

Overall, Barmore is a very talented interior defensive lineman with a natural feel for rushing the quarterback and sky-high upside if he reaches his potential. The best fit would be in a scheme that allows him to focus on getting upfield, but Barmore’s flashes of dominance could make him a strong addition as a disruptor in any NFL defense.