Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 237 pounds
School: Utah
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds
Bench press: 30 reps (second-best among linebackers)
Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.90 seconds (fourth-best among linebackers)
20-yard shuttle: 4.03 seconds (best among linebackers)
60-yard shuttle: 11.47 seconds (second-best among linebackers)
Cody Barton 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Cody Barton is a senior out of Utah. Barton began his collegiate career as a true freshman where he registered seven tackles in 12 games as a backup. He started in five games his sophomore year in a season which saw him tally 66 tackles with 8.5 for loss and three pass breakups. Barton had a similar junior year in a season which saw him start in just four games while accumulating 45 tackles with 4.5 for loss and four sacks.
Barton finally earned a starting spot as a senior in a year which saw him lead his team in tackles with 116. He also registered four sacks and an interception. For his efforts, Barton received honorable mention All-Pac 12 recognition. He also has a brother, Jackson Barton, who is likely to be undrafted as an offensive tackle out of the same school.
Strengths
- good pass coverage ability;
- able to make plays in space;
- a high motor prospect;
- plays with physicality;
- an adept tackler;
- sports athletic bloodlines.
Weaknesses
- doesn’t sport standout athleticism;
- only has a single year of starting experience;
- trouble disengaging from blocks;
- slightly undersized;
- low range in tracking the entirety of the field
NFL Comparison: Miles Burris
Teams With Need at Position: Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers
Projection: Fourth to fifth round
Bottom Line
Barton has a lot of developing to do if he’s ever going to be more than a special teams player at the next level. His injury history and lack of starting experience will be a concern for any team that puts him on their draft board. He’s also a little undersized and doesn’t move as fast as someone should at that stature. What Barton does have going for him is how well he plays in space and his above-average pass coverage skills. If he doesn’t develop into a starter by the end of his rookie deal, then look for him to be out of the league. If not for his above average tackling ability, then he’d likely have trouble even making the 53-man roster. As it stands today, he’s a player with a high floor and a low ceiling. Look for Barton to be a late fourth to late fifth-round selection.
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