2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU

Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to talk about a player who, for whatever reason, has that 'mnay never live up to his ability' label. LSU offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive tackle with size NFL teams love and some upside, yet also with flaws that make scouts wonder if he will ever play up to his athletic potential.

When I think of all the years the Giants spent trying to develop a guy like Guy Whimper, or even Adam Koets, it makes you think they might be willing to take a late-round flier on a player like this.

Scouting reports after the jump.

Joseph Barksdale
OT, LSU
6-foot-5, 325 pounds
Projection: Late-round pick

Scouting Reports

From National Football Post:

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.

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.

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 with some upside, but I don't know if he will ever put it all together.

From NFL.com:

Strengths:
Barksdale has ideal size for the tackle position. Capable of thwarting power pass rushers and using his windspan to push rushers past the pocket. Does a good job getting into position while running blocking and letting his size take over. Can picks up blitzing linebackers and stays home against stunts. Experienced and durable.

Weaknesses:
Not a great overall athlete. Lacks some quickness and flexibility. Speed rushers give him problems in pass pro. 3-techniques can beat him to the point in the running game. Not overly comfortable blocking in space. Not a true road-grader. Has natural strength but doesn’t doesn't play with nastiness.

Overview:
Barksdale's a backup right tackle prospect with exceptional size but less-than-adequate athleticism for the next level. Uses his strength to stop the bull rush in pass protection, but has a difficult time dealing with double-moves or edge rushers. Can create some running room by walling off defenders but doesn't fire off the ball, get a ton of movement, or excel locating targets at the second level. Has good football IQ, picking up blitzers and staying home against stunts, but limited athleticism still causes him to be a step late at times. Developmental prospect worthy of a late-round pick.

From Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Good overall size and length... Very solid pass protector... Long arms... Reasonably good athlete... Patient... Very solid initial quickness and pass set... Good arm extension, uses his hands well... Solid anchor... Reasonably good kick step... Flashes good lateral movement and slide... 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 good explosion or suddenness to his game... Marginal hand punch, lacks any real pop... Can struggle with edge speed, will overextend and lunge... On the ground too much... Rises up too early and is too upright in his slide... Bends at the waist... Is a little heavy footed and allows his base to get too narrow... Can be awkward changing direction, loses his balance too easy... Lacks good awareness, doesn't keep head on a swivel, lose game focus... Appears to lack mental toughness... Lacks a mean streak, plays relatively passive with little sense of urgency... Not an especially good finisher... Has talent but may never play to his potential... Similar to Arizona Cardinal Levi Brown.