Justin Barron NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Syracuse LB

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 226

HAND: 9⅛"

ARM: 31⅛"

WINGSPAN: 76¾"

40-YARD DASH: 4.68

3-CONE: 6.98

SHUTTLE: 4.38

VERTICAL: 34"

BROAD: 10'0"

POSITIVES

— Former defensive back and a good athlete to help cover wide receivers on short routes or running backs and tight ends.

— Can back pedal or turn and run to ROBOT against play action and take away the middle of the field.

— Has the acceleration to click and close when playing zone coverage.

— Takes on blocks with his hands.

— Decent speed in pursuit.

NEGATIVES

— Shaky instincts as a run defender. Plays passively and doesn't seem to understand when he can attack downhill.

— Not physical when taking on blocks and lacks the mass and strength to anchor against offensive linemen and blocking tight ends.

— Doesn't have much force when tackling and has a habit of lunging, leading to a lot of misses over the last two seasons.

— Overpursues and struggles to break down when trying to make open-field tackles.

— Will get caught staring into the backfield too long when playing zone coverage.

NOTES

— Born Oct. 25, 2001

— 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2023 (Broken hand, played through it and didn’t miss a game)

— 2023 Honorable Mention All-ACC

— 2024 Honorable Mention All-ACC

OVERALL

Justin Barron is a converted safety who could potentially become a decent coverage linebacker in the NFL. However, his run defense and tackling need work, which likely pushes him into undrafted-free-agent territory.

Barron figures to spend his first year or two in the NFL on a practice squad, but he has the potential to eventually become a decent backup linebacker and special teams contributor.

GRADE: 5.4 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)

OVERALL RANK: 307

POSITION RANK: LB23

PRO COMPARISON: Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder