The 2026 NFL Draft possesses prospects on the defensive line with upside to be found down the board. Nick Barrett represents a steady hand at a position that GMs covet. With his late ascension to a full-time starter and proven run-stuffing ability, Nick will enter the NFL as a rotational piece with the ability to grow into a reliable depth player. In the right system, Barrett could emerge as a gap-anchoring force capable of freeing up linebackers on early downs.
Measurables
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 312 pounds
Arms: 33 3/8″
Hands: 10″
40-yard: 5.1
Vertical: 31.5″
Broad jump: 9’0”
School: South Carolina
Position: Defensive Tackle
Nick Barrett NFL Draft Overview
Nick Barrett began his collegiate career at South Carolina, spending his first four seasons primarily as a reserve and special teams contributor. Barrett redshirted 2024 after limited action due to injury before becoming a full-time starter in 2025. It was then that he showed the ability to handle 3-tech and nose responsibilities across the defensive line.
In 2022, he posted 14 tackles and two pass breakups. In 2023, he recorded 11 tackles. In 2024, he appeared in just five games with five tackles. Then, in 2025, he started all 12 games and posted 42 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one pass breakup, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Strengths
- Possesses a solid base and anchor that consistently absorbs blocks at the point of attack
- Maintains leverage with proper bend and pad level
- Single blockers have difficulty moving him once established in the rep
- Double teams can get caught up in trying to move him off the spot
- Good hand usage and remains active with them throughout the rep
- High effort player that gets the most out of his ability
Weaknesses
- Small sample size when it comes to starting repetitions
- Virtually no pass-rushing toolkit available
- Combination blocks can confuse or force him to reset, losing his anchor
- Power is inconsistent when forced to make a change in direction
- Questions on conditioning
- Inconsistent tackler that needs to utilize his frame better when attacking the ball-carrier
Projection: Round 5
Best Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots
Bottom Line on Nick Barrett
Nick Barrett can contribute immediately on early downs and in sub-packages, with a shot at developing into a quality rotational player or spot starter. Without any single defining trait, GMs will need to be comfortable with selecting a player with a capped ceiling. Refining his pass-rush moves, developing a more nuanced approach, and improving his ability to stay engaged on every rep will be necessary for career longevity.
Barrett’s athletic profile is similar to Randy Starks out of Maryland, but the path to starting in the NFL is likely to be tougher. Barrett shows the effort, but may not have the functional athleticism to compete at the next level. More of a bulldozer that is caught in one speed, Nick will need to find ways to improve his overall technique while dealing with the limitations that come with a lack of explosion. To be sure, there are always going to be spots to fill in the NFL with players who are big, strong, and can hold the point of attack. However, there is an obvious ceiling here that cannot be ignored.
