2021 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Christian Barmore
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Alabama
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 310 pounds
Stats
Strength-4
Barmore will jar blockers vertically with his power. Additionally, he will redirect and shed any attempt to steer him out of the running lane. When Alabama did deploy him out of position right over the center, Barmore absorbs the double, holding his ground and functioning as a de facto nose tackle. In the NFL, he should see the majority of his time as a power-based three-technique with the ability to bully blockers.
Agility-3
This trait primarily focuses on Barmore’s ability to use his feet on stunts. Despite his torso heavy frame, he does show the nimbleness to execute various techniques along the defensive line.
Pass Rush-4
Barmore’s swim move alone, from either arm, causes havoc for blockers. One of the few defensive tackles in this draft that actually uses, and commits to the swim, in multiple situations. First, notice the fluidity and efficiency of motion. Like a lever, Barmore quickly uncoils and keep upfield, not sacrificing any forward momentum. Now, when he gets to the league, he must expand and diversify his attack. Imagine a pull-push, in concert with a swim move. That three-part move would free him sooner and set him right in the backfield. Also, mixing in a sturdier bull rush helps.
Run Stopping-3
As mentioned, the power aspect plays into much of what Barmore accomplishes on the field. Versus the run is no different. The former Bama product stands up the blocker, clogging the running lane. Moreover, he will keep his hands and feet in motion, to prevent a static block and subsequent lock on.
Tackling-4
Barmore uses his brute strength to stop the ballcarrier. Granted, fine-tuning his wrap can be quickly repaired, the power to drop someone cold matters. Barmore’s hand strength, wrist flexion, and grip to stop the ball. Barmore excels in this trait, with the ability to pop the ball loose. At the next level, that trait should serve him well.
Speed-2
In all honesty, he presents function, if not unspectacular foot speed. However, for his size, he closes well enough to constantly factor in an early throw or hesitant running back.
Intangibles-3
This number stands as to Barmore’s ceiling. As a player, he has not reached his full potential physically. With that thought and strong coaching, his already above-average playset will only improve. At Alabama, Barmore won with physical tools and the most basic of the plan. Whether facing the run or pass, Barmore will exponentially improve based on his high floor. Plus, he will not allow this.
Raiders Fit
If you read this before the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders should have a defensive coordinator in place. Either way, Barmore will easily slide into the three-technique in Las Vegas. The Raiders remain desperate for help on the inside. They’ve tried PJ Hall, Eddie Vanderdoes, Maurice Hurst, and in some situations, Arden Key inside. Nothing seemed like a long-term solution. The team struggles mightily with generating pressure from the inside. As a result. opposing quarterbacks look comfortable and relaxed while climbing the pocket. With Barmore, the Raiders would gain a disruptive player, that affects the pocket on each snap. Granted, if you are expecting high sack totals, you may be disappointed. However, Barmore will rack up the pressures and forced throws. As a result, he will funnel the quarterback to the perimeter, where the defensive ends cleanup. Plus, versus the run, dropping him in the middle of the line with Johnathan Hankins gives the Raiders a pocket crushing duo that will string the run horizontally.
Points: 23/28 (Based on a 1-4 point system)
