NFL Draft 2012: Mark Barron Scouting Report

Player: Mark Barron
Position: Safety
School: Alabama
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 218-pounds

Positives: Awesome size, smart and instinctive in zone coverage, knows when to swat ball away rather than go for risky interception, able to come in box and deliver big hit, one of the leaders of his defense, seems to always be around the ball, good in man-to-man coverage, played against loads of top competition in SEC, really reliable tackler, good agility and play recognition, runs like corner and hits like a linebacker.

Negatives: Lowers head too much when tackling, might go for big hit too often, not elite speed, bites on double moves, need to take better pursuit angles.

Draft Grade: Top 20

Overview: Mark Barron is an excellent safety prospect and also has the advantage of being the only safety in this draft class worthy of a 1st round grade. Combine his lack of draft competition with elite size and experience, and you have a gem in the defensive secondary. Expect him to start as a strong safety, providing additional run support in the box while also being effective in coverage. There will be plenty of big hits for whatever team selects Barron.

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