Adopt A Prospect/ Quincy Black, Antwan Barnes

[mavfan2390]

Barnes is a very underrated prospect who made a name for himself at the combine. He has an ideal ratio of size and speed as a 6'1, 240 pound prospect with 4.4 speed. He is a phenomenal pass rusher and had 22.5 tackles for a loss this past season. He makes plays behind the line of scrimmage plain and simple, and he does NOT overpursue. With the proper coaching Barnes can also become decent in coverage, allowing him to become the complete linebacker. He certainly has the physical skills to do so. Also, he needs to get stronger and shed blocks better, both are things he will learn to do from Pees.

Strengths:
Fantastic timed speed...Extremely quick and explosive...Has good size and bulk for a linebacker...Terrific pass rusher...Versatile enough to play multiple positions in different schemes...Was pretty productive and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage...Big time upside...He has quite a bit of special teams potential.

Weaknesses:
Did not always play against top competition...Is vastly undersized as a defensive end...Relies too heavily on his speed as a pass rusher...He has trouble shedding blocks...Could be a bit too one-dimensional and he may be limited to a situational role...Still raw and he'll need development...A workout warrior...Classic 'tweener.

Notes:
Played linebacker early in his career but moved to defensive end as a junior...He really made a name for himself at the Combine and is an intriguing prospect...The big question's where do you play him in the pros but his best fit will likely come as either a 4-3 pass rushing specialist at defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/antwanbarnes.html




**************



Quincy Black, like Barnes is a phenomenal athlete, but unlike Barnes, Black is the best coverage linebacker in the draft. We struggled badly against the Colts in this department, and Black would start right away on passing downs. He can also blitz pretty alright. He has a FORTY inch plus vertical, and had THREE interception this past season. He's always around the ball, and if he was a little smaller he'd be a first round pick as a strong safety. Like Barnes, black struggles shedding blocks, and needs to get bigger, but again, those are all things that can be fixed, he has the natural talent to succeed.

Strengths:
An outstanding athlete...Has great timed speed...Is fluid and does a tremendous job in coverage...Has good range and a burst to close in pursuit...Has very good instincts and seems to always be around the ball...Has a great motor...Ball skills are above average...Great blitzer...Smart with solid intangibles...Still has upside.

Weaknesses:
Needs to get stronger...Is not overly tough or physical...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Does not play as fast as he ran in workouts...Needs to do a better job versus the run...Footwork and technique are sub par...A bit of an underachiever?

Notes:
Attended Harper College near Chicago (IL) before coming to the Lobos...Has all the physical tools you look for and he was a true workout warrior at the Scouting Combine...Has a 40+-inch vertical leap...A very intriguing developmental guy who may get pushed up draft boards in such a weak year for the linebacker position.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/quincyblack.html