2014 NFL Draft Preview: Potential Risers and Fallers in tonight’s NFL Draft
By J.R.
Faller – Anthony Barr OLB UCLA
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) during the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Barr is another player that had a ton of hype after the CFB season ended. Ranking number 10 on the big board, I had seen him go as high as 6 in some of the earlier mock drafts. However, questions have arose how much technique he actually has. At UCLA he was able to dominate based on pure athletic ability, but in the NFL he will need to sure up his technique to succeed.
This draft class is still a bit weaker on the defensive side which should allow him to stay in the first round, but he will not likely be the top ten pick many of us thought a few months ago. Barr has only been playing OLB for two seasons so he will improve as he gets more reps at the position. Expect Barr to go in the middle of the first round and likely only be a rotational player his first few years until he develops his overall game.