Alabama Football: Christian Barmore finds home in second round

Alabama football’s Christian Barmore is officially a second-round draft pick

Christian Barmore led Alabama football in sacks during the Tide’s 2020 championship run. He muddied the waters as an interior defensive lineman, and he will now be set to do big things in the NFL.

Barmore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. While some saw Barmore as a first-round talent, the value at other positions pushed all defensive tackles down the board. Still, he is easily the best prospect at his position in this class. He is the only defensive tackle in the class who can consistently attack the quarterback, and his speed off the snap is unique.

Barmore is also an unfinished product. He only had two full years of contribution under his belt, and both seasons were shortened slightly for a variety of reasons. At 21 years old, he still has room to develop physically and mentally.

While Barmore was invited to attend the draft in person, rumors swirled that he was falling down draft boards. Some said that he was hard to coach. At the time, we weren’t sure if this was a smokescreen or a legitimate knock on Barmore. Fans likely won’t hear the full story behind these comments, but none of that matters after a player is drafted. All that matters is what he does with this opportunity.

Barmore was one of the best players to fall out of the first round. Still, Alabama has a history of success with talented players outside of the first round.

At the end of the day, it only takes one team to take a chance on a player. When that player comes from Alabama football, it is easier to take that chance. Scouts have access to the program, and players were working against other NFL prospects at every practice.

Now that Barmore is on an NFL team, he can focus on preparing for his rookie season. His production may be limited in 2021, but he will get the chance to develop as he looks to prove himself as an NFL defensive lineman.