Alabama football’s Christian Barmore received good news
We are approaching the 2021 NFL Draft, and every day includes interesting insight regarding what to expect next week. On Monday, some reporting came out in favor of Alabama football’s Christian Barmore.
Ian Rapaport said that a decision-maker in the NFL hates the depth at defensive tackle.
Random quote from a top decision maker on the 2021 NFL Draft: “This is the worst defensive tackle draft I’ve ever seen.” There could still be one or even two in the first round. But the overall depth clearly isn’t there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2021
So, why is this good news for Christian Barmore? It comes down to simple supply and demand. He may not be a top-level defensive lineman like Alabama football‘s Quinnen Williams or Auburn’s Derrick Brown, but he is one of two options with any hope of being drafted in the first round.
This class has depth at plenty of positions. There will be starters at tackle, edge, receiver and running back on the second day of the draft. That doesn’t apply to the interior defensive line class. That will drive up Barmore’s stock as teams are desperate to improve the interior of their defense.
What sets Barmore apart from the other players? For one, he actually has upside as a pass rusher. He hit his stride late in 2020, and he ended up leading Alabama football in sacks. Once he develops a bit more, he can be used on every down, and that is a rare trait.
Other prospects simply can’t do it all. They may be good at stopping the run, but that is less valuable in today’s NFL. Top prospects have to rush the passer as well as clog the trenches. Barmore can do that, and practically no one else can.
Barmore is also incredibly young, so he still has room to grow. He may be considered a project, but he can play as a rookie and contribute for years to come.
In terms of landing spot, the Dallas Cowboys seem to be Barmore’s ceiling. That is an unlikely spot since the Cowboys need corners, but they would have to consider it. Teams like Minnesota, Vegas and Cleveland also make plenty of sense in the first round.
We’ll have to see where Barmore goes, but expect his name to be called sooner than you would think.