Barwin: positives and negatives
 

First, positives:

And the negative:

Oh, BTW--the Pats didn't do too badly with another criminal justice major from Cincinnati. :)

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

...who was also an incredible physical specimen. Interesting stuff, thanks! Barwin is exactly the sort I'd pick for a private visit/workout, the more you can learn, the better.

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

Positives:

- versatility - had played multiple positions; can play DE, probably 3-4 OLB, possibly 3-4 SILB, and TE
- athleticism
- high upside
- intelligence - both in the classroom and on the field; has been able to make quick position change with success
- character
- high motor
- team player

Negatives:

- no experience playing LB in 3-4
- only 1 year experience on defense; still refining technique

I wasn't aware of his partial deafness, though it doesn't seem to be an issue on the field.

An interesting read: Senior Bowl: Versatility the selling point for Cincinnati's Barwin - USATODAY.com

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

As Box noted, though, the fact that he's still refining his technique means he has fewer bad habits to unlearn. And, given how quickly he picked up DE, he might well be able to pick up OLB pretty quickly, too.

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

I thought it was interesting in the USAToday article that he said that the most exciting option to him would be 3-4 OLB because it would be a new challenge. He seems like the kind of kid who thrives on that.

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

Also a solid rebounder with some shot-blocking skills, but not much of a shooter. :)

http://www.magazine.uc.edu/exclusives/images/73.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/...Ad7V9/340x.jpg

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

True, but . . .

Seriously, the more I read about Barwin, the more he sounds like a prototypical Patriot.

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

We know he's athletic; we know he can adapt. What we don't know is how long it will take him to contribute to a 3-4 defense at OLB.

That remains the biggest reason to avoid taking him too early: the unknown. If he's still available by NE's second Round 2 pick, then I say go right ahead. Any earlier than that and it might be too big a chance.

His combine (esp. bench press) will help determine where he goes, at least in my mind. And that's what BB and Floyd want to know: my opinion. :rolleyes:

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

I'd be much more concerned about him playing OLB than how much he can bench press. What's our success rate been with fast/strong athletes with less production, undefined positions as opposed to productive football players that weren't outstanding in track/gym measurables?

I would say not very good.

Re: Barwin: positives and negatives
 

That may be, but Barwin has been extremely productive at DE: 46 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, 6 pass break-ups, 4 QB hurries and 3 blocked punts/kicks.

I don't care what he bench presses. I don't really care how he works out at the combine, except that if he posts fantastic numbers other teams may be more likely to jump on him early. What impresses me about him is his versatility and his character. Those are amazing numbers for a first year DE with no prior background at the position.

Here's another link to some info on Barwin:

Connor Barwin, 2009 NFL Draft Prospect