Barwin: positives and negatives - Page 4 - New England Patriots Forums

VJCPatriot · 01-30-2009, 07:55 PM

Is Barwin's hearing issues going to be a problem in terms of him being able to communicate with his teammates either on D or O? Just wondering. Obviously he has some nice physical attributes, but I wonder how that affects his football?

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 01-30-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJCPatriot

Is Barwin's hearing issues going to be a problem in terms of him being able to communicate with his teammates either on D or O? Just wondering. Obviously he has some nice physical attributes, but I wonder how that affects his football?

NE deals with noisy situations in every game, I'd be shocked if that was a deal breaker with Barwin.

***ctpatsfan77*** · 01-30-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

NE deals with noisy situations in every game, I'd be shocked if that was a deal breaker with Barwin.

My understanding is that the only time it ever poses an issue is if he's lined up to the right of the QB and can't hear audibles; on defense, he gets his cues from the O-line anyways.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 01-30-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctpatsfan77

My understanding is that the only time it ever poses an issue is if he's lined up to the right of the QB and can't hear audibles; on defense, he gets his cues from the O-line anyways.

He'll be playing up on his feet at OLB and will be able to see hand signals, besides he'll probably line up next to Sey to start with anyway.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 02-21-2009, 08:51 PM

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor Barwin, DE/TE, Cincinnati

Quote:

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor Barwin, DE/TE, Cincinnati
by Paul Eide
Senior Writer
2/17/09

Connor Barwin oozes confidence. And not the confidence that could easily be dismissed or categorized as arrogance, but a confidence borne of hard work and dedication, a self assuredness acquired thru discipline and performance. Confidence is a very powerful thing and has propelled Barwin to the enviable position he know finds himself in.
He may be the most versatile player available in the entire draft but the amazing thing is where he was a year ago at this time.

The 6-4, 255 pound Barwin came to the University Cincinnati as a tight end and also appeared in 41 games with the Bearcat basketball team. On the football field, he spent his first two years backing up future Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek. In 2007 he finally got the chance to start and responded with a respectful junior campaign racking up 31 receptions and two touchdowns on the season. But prior to his senior season in 2008, head coach Brian Kelly called Barwin into his office for an unexpected meeting that drastically altered his future.

“Just after winter conditioning Coach Kelly called me into his office. I thought he was calling me into his office because I was going to be a senior, to be a team leader, something along those lines,” Barwin continued. “But then he just threw it on me; “What do you think about playing defensive end?” And I said “I’ve never really thought if it.” He then told me they were ‘going to try it out in the spring but were not really trying it out, because I know you’re going to be good at it.’ And ever since first couple days of spring ball I felt natural doing it and it worked out.”

Worked out indeed. Barwin went from solid yet unspectacular tight end to the best defensive end in the Big East in less than a year, leading the conference in sacks and being named all conference. In 14 games, he had 11 sacks, 53 tackles and16 tackles for loss. To get an idea of how athletic and how much of a disruptor he is in all facets, Barwin had eight passes defended and blocked three punts adding steam to the idea of him being an ideal fit for an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. So, how does a guy go from playing tight end to leading the Big East in sacks in less than a year?

***fgssand*** · 02-21-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor Barwin, DE/TE, Cincinnati

My goodness, lookie what I found....real information that only serves to raise our hopes of landing this guy.

I am not sure if round two is too high, but , hell what do we know about the value of what rounds these guys should go anyway?? Even the experts and NFL executives that do this for a living are wrong more often then they are right.

He just seems to be the kind of player we are looking for, talented, smart, versatile and confident.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 02-21-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgssand

My goodness, lookie what I found....real information that only serves to raise our hopes of landing this guy.

I am not sure if round two is too high, but , hell what do we know about the value of what rounds these guys should go anyway?? Even the experts and NFL executives that do this for a living are wrong more often then they are right.

He just seems to be the kind of player we are looking for, talented, smart, versatile and confident.

I like to think of him as a potential cross between Vrabel and Demarcus Ware. He's raw, no technique, but he's got a nose for the ball and he's played up on his feet some. I'd really like to see what he can do with a diet of football 24/7 and NE coaching...can you just picture this guy under "coach" Vrabel's wing?

***reflexblue*** · 02-21-2009, 09:45 PM

His beaing deaf may actually be a positive. It means he has to be more aware of everything around him. He may be more intune with all the little movements qbs running backs te's etc. make before the snap and giv him an edge.

***ctpatsfan77*** · 02-21-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

I like to think of him as a potential cross between Vrabel and Demarcus Ware. He's raw, no technique, but he's got a nose for the ball and he's played up on his feet some. I'd really like to see what he can do with a diet of football 24/7 and NE coaching...can you just picture this guy under "coach" Vrabel's wing?

That might actually be a frightening thing:

Ochmed Jones · 02-21-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctpatsfan77

That might actually be a frightening thing:

The resemblance is scary!

Barwin needs to put on a few pounds of muscle.

Does the signing of TBC provide enough depth at OLB that we do not need to draft one?