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

Player Data
Name, Jersey # | Tarique Barnes, #8 |
School (Code) | ILUN |
DOB, Class Yr | 11-23-2000, Senior |
Height, Weight | 6010 e, 230 e |
40 Yd Dash | 4.9 |
Arms, Hands | N/A |
Position/Depth | ILB / 1st |
Honors/Captainship | All Big 10 Honorable Mention, Academic All-Conference, Team Captain |
Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
Games Watched | VAUN, IAUN, INUN |
Scout Name / Date | Bryan Ault / 7-22-2023 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
2022 | 13 GP, 46 T, 36 Solo, 10 AST, 1.5 Sacks |
2021 | 13 GP, 80 T, 44 Solo, 36 AST, 2 Sacks |
2020 | 5 GP, 25 T, 12 Solo, 13 AST, 1 Sack |
2019 | 13 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.