Tag: Mark Barron

Mark Barron picked on in coverage

Buccaneers, Rookie Notes
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Mark Barron has the potential to be an elite player in this league, but one weakness he must improve upon is his coverage ability.

Barron will be tested by Eli Manning this week

Knowing Barron’s weakness, the Panthers targeted him in coverage seven times on Sunday, more than all but one safety in the league (D.J. Gomes, Redskins). Of the seven targets, five were completed for 91 yards.

Among all safeties, Barron earned the third lowest grade for his cumulative play (versus the run and pass) according to Pro Football Focus.

The Buccaneers didn’t draft Barron for his coverage ability, but they also can’t afford for him to become a liability if they hope to compete in 2012. Hopefully Barron quickly improves, because more performances like this will earn him a seat on the bench until he develops that aspect of his game.

Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers, Draft Grades - 2012
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This was a potential franchise changing draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They made the wise decision to move back in the 1st round, which allowed them to acquire the picks necessary to move back up in the late 1st and come away with a huge haul on day one of the draft.

The Bucs passed up the opportunity to land Morris Claiborne, but still upgraded their secondary with the addition of Mark Barron. The Bucs should still be worried about their cornerbacks, but Barron will be a fun weapon for defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan to use. He’s a versatile player who can be effective when lining up all over the field.

Doug Martin was arguably the most underrated player in this draft class and the Bucs got an absolute steal in the late 1st round. He’s the next star undersized running back, following in the footsteps of Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew.

I wasn’t as high on Lavonte David as most, but he’s a perfect fit in Tampa. They’re one of the few teams that doesn’t mind using smaller, more athletic linebackers and David fits the mold perfectly. He’ll start at weak-side linebacker from day one.

Najee Goode will add some depth, and can play strong-side or inside linebacker, but he real value may be on special teams.

Keith Tandy adds some depth at cornerback, but I’m a little surprised they waited this long to addressnz the position. They’re putting a lot of faith in Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib, and that’s a risky decision.

Michael Smith could prove to be a steal in the 7th round. I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith takes over the backup job from LeGarrette Blount before the season is over.

Drake Dunsmore can play tight end or fullback. He’ll have to battle for a job in training camp with a number of players at both positions.

The Bucs didn’t get much help on the third day of the draft and failed to upgrade their situation at cornerback, but that’s the only think holding them back from an A+. This was a phenomenal haul for a franchise that was in need of a boost. Considering the fact that the Falcons and Saints did very little to help themselves this offseason, the Bucs closed the gap in the NFC South in a big way.

Mark Barron scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
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Mark Barron S Alabama #4
Ht: 6’1″

Wt: 220

Strengths:
Impressive size and strength. Plays a hybrid position for Alabama, lining up all over the field. Used in a variety of roles and has shown the ability to be an incredibly versatile player. Experienced lining up as a free and strong safety, and also lining up closer to the line of scrimmage, essentially acting as an extra linebacker. Has the speed and strength to be effective when blitzing. Hard hitter; has the ability to jar the ball lose. Decent ball skills. Does a great job reading the quarterback and putting himself in position to make a play when in the role of a centerfielder. Height gives him an advantage over most safeties when lined up close to the line of scrimmage, allowing him to see into the backfield; does a great job keeping his eyes on the ball carrier and putting himself in position to make plays.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent tackler; overagressive at times, going for the big hit rather than the wrap-up tackle. Speed is adequate, but nothing special; will struggle with some man coverage assignments at the next level. Missed time in 2010 with a torn pectoral muscle. Arrested in 2010 for “hindering prosecution” for his role in a car accident.
Comments:
Barron is the cream of the crop at safety in this year’s class. When watching Alabama’s defense, Barron’s versatility immediately stands out, as he lines up all over the field. His experience as a leader in Nick Saban’s defense will make him an attractive late 1st or early 2nd-round option for teams looking to fill an immediate hole at strong safety. His lack of elite athleticism puts him a tier below recent top draft picks such as Eric Berry and Earl Thomas, but he still projects as a quality starter with Pro Bowl potential.
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