Joseph BarksDale of Louisiana ~ 6.5/315
"Possesses good overall size for the position and looks natural when asked to sit into his stance off the line. Is an above-average athlete who exhibits a good first step off the football in the run game and has the ability to quickly get around defenders and seal. Looks pretty athletic at the second level, can reach linebackers off his frame and initially push them past the play.
However, doesn’t seem to really understand angles. Consistently seems to overstep in tight areas and give defensive linemen space to side step his block and get up the field. Isn’t a real compact or explosive puncher either. Takes far too long for him to uncoil his arms and is easily swatted at the point. However, has some natural flexibility in his lower half, can fire off the football low as an in-line guy, generate leverage for himself can create some push off the line.
Exhibits a good initial step off the football in the pass game and displays above-average range toward the corner. However, needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Too often is late out of his stance and gives up the edge too easily at times because of it. Stays compact with his footwork initially even vs. speed toward the corner and can keep his base down through his kick-slide. But when asked to redirect he gets too overextended with his footwork, doesn’t generate any power on his punch and loses his balance easily on contact, allowing defenders to slip his block and/or overpower him at the point.
Impression: Is a good athlete with some natural bend and power to his game. However, lacks ideal awareness, isn’t real clean when asked to redirect and needs to be a more effective puncher. Has some raw talent, but looks more like a developmental/reserve type tackle at this stage with some upside."
However, doesn’t seem to really understand angles. Consistently seems to overstep in tight areas and give defensive linemen space to side step his block and get up the field. Isn’t a real compact or explosive puncher either. Takes far too long for him to uncoil his arms and is easily swatted at the point. However, has some natural flexibility in his lower half, can fire off the football low as an in-line guy, generate leverage for himself can create some push off the line.
Exhibits a good initial step off the football in the pass game and displays above-average range toward the corner. However, needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Too often is late out of his stance and gives up the edge too easily at times because of it. Stays compact with his footwork initially even vs. speed toward the corner and can keep his base down through his kick-slide. But when asked to redirect he gets too overextended with his footwork, doesn’t generate any power on his punch and loses his balance easily on contact, allowing defenders to slip his block and/or overpower him at the point.
Impression: Is a good athlete with some natural bend and power to his game. However, lacks ideal awareness, isn’t real clean when asked to redirect and needs to be a more effective puncher. Has some raw talent, but looks more like a developmental/reserve type tackle at this stage with some upside."
"Barksdale has the combination of size, strength and athleticism to rate among the top offensive tackles in the 2011 class. But the key is -- potential. He's developed a reputation as doing just enough to get by rather than truly honing his craft. Barksdale is athletic enough to slide over and help at left tackle in a pinch, but his future in the NFL is almost surely at right tackle or perhaps even inside at guard. Given his experience on the right side (26 of his 39 career starts came there), he should be able to contribute early in his pro career.
***
Positives: Ideal size. Long arms with an even distribution of weight. Versatile player who has only four years of experience at tackle. Came to LSU as a highly touted defensive tackle prospect and that defensive mentality is occasionally seen on tape. Gains good depth on his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and balance to mirror the defender. Long arms and strong hands to control. Can turn and seal off defenders in the running game, giving backs an easy lane to run through. Shows some athletic ability getting to the second level and, while not nimble, can get in the way of the linebacker, essentially making the block. Legitimate upside. Might just be scratching the surface of his potential and could wind up a better NFL player than he was in college.
Negatives: Lacks the elite athleticism necessary to remain at left tackle in the pros -- though he started and earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior. Has a troubling tendency to drop his head and bend at the waist on contact, which puts him off-balance. Can be overwhelmed when he gets lazy and doesn't keep his feet moving. Remains a technically flawed prospect who has been able to get by on only his natural ability."
***
Positives: Ideal size. Long arms with an even distribution of weight. Versatile player who has only four years of experience at tackle. Came to LSU as a highly touted defensive tackle prospect and that defensive mentality is occasionally seen on tape. Gains good depth on his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and balance to mirror the defender. Long arms and strong hands to control. Can turn and seal off defenders in the running game, giving backs an easy lane to run through. Shows some athletic ability getting to the second level and, while not nimble, can get in the way of the linebacker, essentially making the block. Legitimate upside. Might just be scratching the surface of his potential and could wind up a better NFL player than he was in college.
Negatives: Lacks the elite athleticism necessary to remain at left tackle in the pros -- though he started and earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior. Has a troubling tendency to drop his head and bend at the waist on contact, which puts him off-balance. Can be overwhelmed when he gets lazy and doesn't keep his feet moving. Remains a technically flawed prospect who has been able to get by on only his natural ability."
"If the LSU Tigers had a do over, they may just keep Joseph Barksdale at defensive end, where he was a five star recruit and top defensive tackle in his recruiting class. Barksdale needs to improve in run blocking.
Instead, the Cass Technical High School product made the switch to offensive tackle as a freshman. Barksdale started since his sophomore season and made 39 consecutive starts, with two seasons at right tackle, and his senior season playing on the left side.
Strengths
Barksdale has excellent size for his position. He has long arms, and a great overall build. He’s agile and has quick feet. Barksdale has a solid knee bend, and quick, wide drop step in pass protection. He does a nice job of keeping his hands inside the defender and preventing holding calls, while maintaining excellent body control. He’s a finesse pass blocker who does a nice job of anchoring down and mirroring his defender. His initial punch is above average and he moves well laterally. He has a solid football IQ, and has had quite a bit of experience.
Weaknesses
Barksdale lacks a mean streak when blocking, especially in the run game. His initial punch is above average, as sometimes he lets defenders get too far in on his hands, and will get controlled by bigger and stronger defenders. Barksdale needs to do a better job of finishing his blocks, as well as improving his overall awareness. He has the tools to succeed as a left tackle, but he may have to start on the right side for a few seasons.
Draft Range
Barksdale has first round talent, but he could easily fall to the third round just because his lack of overall production and his lack of true run blocking ability. Teams like New England, Buffalo, Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Detroit could give Barksdale a hard look in rounds three or four.
NFL Comparison: Michael Roos "
Instead, the Cass Technical High School product made the switch to offensive tackle as a freshman. Barksdale started since his sophomore season and made 39 consecutive starts, with two seasons at right tackle, and his senior season playing on the left side.
Strengths
Barksdale has excellent size for his position. He has long arms, and a great overall build. He’s agile and has quick feet. Barksdale has a solid knee bend, and quick, wide drop step in pass protection. He does a nice job of keeping his hands inside the defender and preventing holding calls, while maintaining excellent body control. He’s a finesse pass blocker who does a nice job of anchoring down and mirroring his defender. His initial punch is above average and he moves well laterally. He has a solid football IQ, and has had quite a bit of experience.
Weaknesses
Barksdale lacks a mean streak when blocking, especially in the run game. His initial punch is above average, as sometimes he lets defenders get too far in on his hands, and will get controlled by bigger and stronger defenders. Barksdale needs to do a better job of finishing his blocks, as well as improving his overall awareness. He has the tools to succeed as a left tackle, but he may have to start on the right side for a few seasons.
Draft Range
Barksdale has first round talent, but he could easily fall to the third round just because his lack of overall production and his lack of true run blocking ability. Teams like New England, Buffalo, Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Detroit could give Barksdale a hard look in rounds three or four.
NFL Comparison: Michael Roos "
"Bio: Three-year starter who began his career at right tackle before moving to the left side as a senior and winning all-Conference honors.
Positive: Big offensive lineman who's coming off a terrific senior season and has significantly improved his draft grade. Works to bend his knees, gets his hands into defenders, and stays square. Adjusts to oncoming rushers, keeps his feet moving, and seals opponents from the action with good body positioning. Anchors in pass protection, correctly places his hands into opponents, and effectively uses them to knock defenders from their angle of attack. Adequate strength at the point and displays the ability to turn defenders off the line run blocking.
Negative: Not light on his feet or effective in motion. Does a bit of bending at the waist. Average footwork at left tackle.
Analysis: Barksdale was a consistent player for LSU who made a successful transition to blind side tackle last year, improving on a weekly basis. He offers good size, growth potential, and upside for the next level. His play at left tackle last year moved him from the late rounds into a middle-round prospect."
Positive: Big offensive lineman who's coming off a terrific senior season and has significantly improved his draft grade. Works to bend his knees, gets his hands into defenders, and stays square. Adjusts to oncoming rushers, keeps his feet moving, and seals opponents from the action with good body positioning. Anchors in pass protection, correctly places his hands into opponents, and effectively uses them to knock defenders from their angle of attack. Adequate strength at the point and displays the ability to turn defenders off the line run blocking.
Negative: Not light on his feet or effective in motion. Does a bit of bending at the waist. Average footwork at left tackle.
Analysis: Barksdale was a consistent player for LSU who made a successful transition to blind side tackle last year, improving on a weekly basis. He offers good size, growth potential, and upside for the next level. His play at left tackle last year moved him from the late rounds into a middle-round prospect."
"Positives: Good overall size and length... Reasonably athletic... Patient... Very solid initial quickness and pass set... Good arm extension, uses his hands well... Solid anchor... Reasonably good kick step... Very solid lateral range... Solid knee bend... Very solid run blocker... Good strength, can control defenders at POA... Can get movement in the running game... Does a nice job getting to the second level... Solid flexibility and body control... Can seal Linebackers from the action... Generally keeps his feet moving throughout the play.
Negatives: Inconsistent technique... Lacks any real explosion or suddeness to his game... Marginal hand punch at best, lacks any real pop... Struggles with edge speed, overextends and lunges... On the ground too much... Rises up too early and is too upright in his slide... Bends at the waist... Sloppy slow and and over...long footwork when redirecting, lacks good agility... Is a little heavy footed and allows his base to get too narrow... Awkward changing direction, loses his balance too easy... Lacks good awareness, doesn't keep head on a swivel, lose game focus... Lacks mental toughness... Lacks a mean streak, plays relatively passive with no sense of urgency... Not an especially good finisher in the running game... Has talent but will likely never play to his potential, will gets some looks at Guard."
Negatives: Inconsistent technique... Lacks any real explosion or suddeness to his game... Marginal hand punch at best, lacks any real pop... Struggles with edge speed, overextends and lunges... On the ground too much... Rises up too early and is too upright in his slide... Bends at the waist... Sloppy slow and and over...long footwork when redirecting, lacks good agility... Is a little heavy footed and allows his base to get too narrow... Awkward changing direction, loses his balance too easy... Lacks good awareness, doesn't keep head on a swivel, lose game focus... Lacks mental toughness... Lacks a mean streak, plays relatively passive with no sense of urgency... Not an especially good finisher in the running game... Has talent but will likely never play to his potential, will gets some looks at Guard."
"Overview: 2010 Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference (AP, Coaches)
Three-year starter.
Strengths: Big, thick and strong. Versatile; started two years at RT before switching to LT for his senior season, and likely would make a good OG at the next level. Physical mauler who plays with a wide base. Strong arms and hands and displays a fine punch, and plays to the whistle. Gets good push off the ball. Takes good angles and can absorb the bullrush.
Weaknesses: Not very quick and not suited to LT. Can be beaten by speed both outside and inside. Struggles to redirect and bends at the waist when attempting to recover. Needs to improve his footwork and overall mechanics as a pass protector.
Projection: Mid/late round pick has a chance to stick as a backup G/RT. Needs polish, but has the size and demeanor to make a squad and perhaps develop as a starter down the road."
Three-year starter.
Strengths: Big, thick and strong. Versatile; started two years at RT before switching to LT for his senior season, and likely would make a good OG at the next level. Physical mauler who plays with a wide base. Strong arms and hands and displays a fine punch, and plays to the whistle. Gets good push off the ball. Takes good angles and can absorb the bullrush.
Weaknesses: Not very quick and not suited to LT. Can be beaten by speed both outside and inside. Struggles to redirect and bends at the waist when attempting to recover. Needs to improve his footwork and overall mechanics as a pass protector.
Projection: Mid/late round pick has a chance to stick as a backup G/RT. Needs polish, but has the size and demeanor to make a squad and perhaps develop as a starter down the road."
"Barksdale was a standout defensive tackle in high school, but he was asked to switch over to the offensive side of the ball prior to his freshman season at LSU. He obliged, and the move has paid off for both Barksdale and the Tigers. He played in all 14 games as a freshman in 2007, backing up right tackle Carnell Stewart. Barksdale started all 13 games in 2008, and he started all 12 regular-season contests in his current junior campaign. LSU's rushing attack gained more than 166 yards per outing last year (fourth in the SEC) behind a stellar offensive line, and although the Tiger offense has not exactly taken off in 2009, Barksdale could be the most improved player on the team. He has been instrumental in opening up running lanes for Charles Scott (4.7 yards per carry) and Keiland Williams (5.3 ypc), as well as pass-blocking for Jordan Jefferson.
Although mostly overshadowed by heralded left tackle Ciron Black, you can bet Barksdale will be making a name for himself as the 2010 NFL Draft approaches (assuming he leaves Baton Rouge early rather than return for a senior season). It would not be unfair to argue that Barksdale has been LSU's best offensive lineman in 2009, nor would it be unfair to say that Barksdale is a better pro prospect than Black (who is a potential first-round pick in his own right). While Black is a massive run-blocker, Barksdale is more versatile and better at protecting the quarterback. He stands at 6'5'' and 315 pounds, and he runs under 5.0 in the 40-yard dash. He has even been clocked as low as 4.86 at that distance; some impressive speed for a man of his size. Barksdale does not project as a franchise left tackle at the moment, but he has the tools to potentially switch to that more prestigious position at some point down the road. Look for Barksdale to go off the board in the second round of the draft, and a first-round selection is not out of the question if he performs well at the combine."
Although mostly overshadowed by heralded left tackle Ciron Black, you can bet Barksdale will be making a name for himself as the 2010 NFL Draft approaches (assuming he leaves Baton Rouge early rather than return for a senior season). It would not be unfair to argue that Barksdale has been LSU's best offensive lineman in 2009, nor would it be unfair to say that Barksdale is a better pro prospect than Black (who is a potential first-round pick in his own right). While Black is a massive run-blocker, Barksdale is more versatile and better at protecting the quarterback. He stands at 6'5'' and 315 pounds, and he runs under 5.0 in the 40-yard dash. He has even been clocked as low as 4.86 at that distance; some impressive speed for a man of his size. Barksdale does not project as a franchise left tackle at the moment, but he has the tools to potentially switch to that more prestigious position at some point down the road. Look for Barksdale to go off the board in the second round of the draft, and a first-round selection is not out of the question if he performs well at the combine."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Joseph BarksDale
Joseph Barksdale is a classic Late Round Low Risk ~ High Reward prospect...Unless, of course, someone is foolish enough to draft him earlier.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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