Western Michigan has produced some serious NFL players over the last few years on both sides of the football, and Zaire Barnes could be among the next players to make his NFL career after attending as a Bronco. He’s an intriguing 4-3 outside linebacker prospect. He fits best in a half-field role, though he is a developmental guy into that spot in the NFL. Barnes will need to test well this Spring, and if he does he can be a late-round pick.
HT: 6015
WT: 227
Year: Super Senior
High School: Carmel Catholic (Mundelein, IL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8288)
Zaire Barnes scouting notes
Pros:
- Solid upper body strength.
- Good wrap up tackler. Needs to be a little bit more disciplined.
- Solid half-field pursuit defender.
- Decent blitzer. Flashes the ability to time blitzes perfectly.
- Offers some pass rush ability. Does a good job not drawing flags on quarterback hits.
- Solid disrupter of passing lanes.
- Instincts are usually good.
Cons:
- Average athlete. Doesn’t really pop with his abilities.
- Feet look a little too heavy. Really needs to work on this side of his game.
- Decent play recognition. Isn’t always in position but he makes plays at times with his smart positioning.
- Instincts are just not consistent. He can be moved out of position a few times a game. Struggles to feel run plays.
