Better Know A Draft Prospect: Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin

Connor Barwin

6'4, 255 pounds | Cincinnati | Defensive end

Video Killed the Scouting Report:

DE Connor Barwin Highlights Cincinnati 2008 (via DraftParty)

When Vic did his combine segments... he asked Gene, Jack, and all the positon coaches to give him a name of player that really stood out to them, and would be a good player to have on the team.  In his segment with Ted Monachino, Ted quickly gave 3 names that stood out to him: Mitch King, Iowa DL,  Larry English, Northern Illinois DE, and Connor Barwin, Cincinnatti DE. 

While researching these 3 outstanding players, I quickly saw why Ted was so high on Barwin.  This guy has tremendous atheletic ability, upside, and has a very diverse skill set that no matter where this guy lands, he will be able to contribute immediately! 

Scout.com had this to say:

STRENGTHS  Athleticism  Pass Rushing Skills  Quickness off Ball AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT  Disengaging Skills

Barwin is a versatile player who has experience playing on both sides of the ball. He has a great frame; a bit undersized, but has a strong upper-body and is aggressive at the point of attack. He initiates contact off the snap and plays with great leverage. He has quick feet, savvy moves and is relentless off the edge. He has to shed blocks cleanly and be consistent defending the run.

 http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3681814

Mocking the Draft:

Strengths: Barwin is a classic, overachieving defender with a non-stop motor. He brings it hard every down and plays with a lot of emotion. Incredibly quick off the snap. Good speed that allows him to close quickly on the ball carrier. Developing pass-rush moves. Uses a spin fairly well. Solid covering backs on screens and broke up a lot of passes. Hands aren't great but better than most defensive ends. Strong work ethic. Will immediately be a special teams factor. Really good against returns and blocked three punts as a senior. 

Weaknesses: Barwin is still learning the intricacies of the position after spending only a season at defensive end. After starting his career at tight end, the coaches wanted Barwin's athleticism on the defense. Because of his inexperience at the position, Barwin needs to improve his technique. He especially needs to do better staying low off the snap. He'll get too high allowing blockers to get under his pads and drive him back. Strength for a defensive end is only average. 

Final word: It's unknown if Barwin will be able to make the jump to outside linebacker. He doesn't appear to have great lateral agility and struggles changing direction. In college, he made up for any athletic deficiencies with hard work and relentless effort. Still, he'll need to get stronger. As the 2008 season progressed, few prospects came on like Barwin did. Converting from tight end, Barwin led Cincinnati with 11 sacks to go with 15.5 tackles for a loss and seven pass breakups. Played two years on the Bearcats' basketball team as a walk-on.

Round projection: 2

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2009/2/14/759478/scouting-report-connor-bar

Why he should be a Jaguar:

 There maybe some negatives about this guy, but because of his lunch pail work ethic, and grit,  this guys has quite a bit of upside.  He's strong, athletic, and is willing to do whatever it takes for his team to succeed.  He's a team player, and the kind of guy Gene is looking for when it comes to character and community.