Landon Barnes

Physical Profile

Barnes has a long, athletic frame at a listed 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, which is ideal for an edge rusher. His build allows him to play with flexibility, bending the edge effectively. While he has a great frame, he will need to add mass and functional strength to consistently hold up against the run at the collegiate level, as he can get washed out by larger offensive linemen. His verified height and weight are prototypical for a top-tier edge prospect.

Play Style

On film, Barnes is a versatile edge defender who has experience playing with his hand on the ground in a four-man front and also in a two-point stance. He excels as a pass rusher, using his athleticism and flexibility to win on the outside. He demonstrates a relentless motor in pursuit of the ball carrier and is an instinctive player, particularly when rushing the passer. He plays for a high-profile program in Duncanville, consistently facing top-tier competition in Texas 6A football.

Strengths

• Exhibits impressive arc-running athleticism and flexibility, allowing him to get low and bend around the edge to pressure the quarterback.
• Plays with a high motor and gives great effort against the run, fighting through blocks to make plays in the backfield. His junior year stats included 44 tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his disruptive ability.
• Possesses natural pass-rushing instincts and has a knack for getting to the quarterback, as evidenced by his 10.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hurries as a senior.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to continue developing his point-of-attack strength to be more effective against the run at the next level and avoid getting displaced by bigger offensive tackles.
• While possessing natural athleticism, he needs to continue to refine his hand usage and develop a wider array of pass-rush moves to complement his physical tools.

College Projection

Barnes projects as an eventual impact player for a Power 4 program. Given his current physical development, he may require a year to add strength and mass to his frame before becoming a consistent contributor. His athleticism and pass-rushing upside could allow him to see situational action as a true freshman. He has the potential to develop into an all-conference caliber player by his third year.

NFL Outlook

With his combination of frame length, motor, and athleticism, Barnes has the raw tools to develop into an NFL Draft pick. His ceiling will be determined by his ability to add strength without sacrificing his athleticism and his continued development of pass-rushing technique. His projection as a Day 3 NFL Draft pick seems accurate at this stage.

Best Fit

Barnes is a great fit for a defensive scheme that allows its edge rushers to play in space and utilize their athleticism. He would thrive in a system that employs a mix of four-down and three-down fronts, allowing him to rush from both a three-point and a two-point stance to create mismatches against offensive tackles.