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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tarique Barnes, LB, Illinois

Tarique Barnes a hard-nosed linebacker from Illinois is a big-time prospect with great instincts. Check out our scouting report.
Tarique Barnes a hard-nosed linebacker from Illinois is a big-time prospect with great instincts. Check out our scouting report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Tarique Barnes, #8
School (Code)ILUN
DOB, Class Yr11-23-2000, Senior
Height, Weight6010 e, 230 e
40 Yd Dash4.9
Arms, HandsN/A
Position/DepthILB / 1st 
Honors/CaptainshipAll Big 10 Honorable Mention, Academic All-Conference, Team Captain
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedVAUN, IAUN, INUN
Scout Name / DateBryan Ault / 7-22-2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

202213 GP, 46 T, 36 Solo, 10 AST, 1.5 Sacks
202113 GP, 80 T, 44 Solo, 36 AST, 2 Sacks
20205 GP, 25 T, 12 Solo, 13 AST, 1 Sack
201913 GP, 13 T, 8 Solo, 5 AST

Player Summary:

Senior. Team captain. Starting inside LB. Lacks ideal height, but has raw athleticism, good length, and a frame to add bulk and grow.  Above average run defender, a good pass rusher, and average in pass coverage.  Against the run, he is above average.  Displays good range and motor.  Does a good job of hustling to the sideline and cleaning up plays.  Flows to the ball, shows decent instincts, and stays square to the LOS.  Tough player who isn’t afraid to his nose in a pile.  Needs to develop better field awareness; will occasionally walk right into a blocking lineman.  Has a tough time shedding blocks; needs to work on use-of-hands and show he can disengage OLs.  Inconsistent tackler – will whiff and miss in space.  More of a drag-down guy, not the type who hits big.  As a pass rusher, he is good.  Can shoot through gaps and be very disruptive, perhaps underutilized by the staff in that area.  Times blitzes well.  Takes good angles to ballcarriers and the backfield.  Displays good motor and range when pursuing scrambling QBs.  Like his deficiency v. run, is slow to shed blocks and gets neutralized v. interior linemen.  In pass coverage, he is average.  Can cover and carry short/intermediate routes.  Can break up passes, but dropped an interception v. VAUN.  Has some upside.  Would like to see him get an opportunity on special teams/kickoff coverage where his downfield speed could really shine.  Smart – academically all-conference two years in a row.

Scheme Fit:

ILB

Power Statement:

Tarique is a good pass rusher, an average run defender, and average in pass coverage.  I think he could add value to a pro team if he improves as a tackler and adds more muscle to his frame.  

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