2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: CJ Barnes, DL, Murray State

CJ Barnes is a big, versatile talent along Murray State’s defensive line who’s a solid run defender. Hula Bowl scout Noah Clair breaks him down as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	CJ Barnes, #3
School (Code)	Murray State University (KYMU)
Class Yr	6th YR Sr
Height, Weight	6051e,280e
Position/Depth	DL/2nd
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	SCMR,TNMI,NDUN
Scout Name / Date	Noah Clair, 09/17/2024

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	10 GP, 10 GS, 12 Tkl, 3 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 2 PD
2022	10 GP, 0 GS, 17 Tkl, 2 TFL
2021	11 GP, 1 GS, 20 Tkl, 4 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 1FF
2020	Did Not Play
2019	1GP, 1Tkl

Player Summary:

6^th yr RS SR and 1 yr full-time starter where he aligns at multiple positions all across the defensive line for KYMU. He possesses good height, poor weight and marginal play speed with a powerful build. A developed upper/lower body and solid frame comprised of thick and muscled arms, thick glutes, and broad shoulders. A versatile DL with ability to align anywhere along the DL. Solid against the run. Shows good FBI and awareness to hold point, diagnose, and shuck matchup. Displays solid play strength as he disengages and locates the RB. Heavy hands marked by solid usage allow him to excel in this area in spurts. Inconsistent pad level, stiff hips, and lack of consistent every down effort plague him. As a pass rusher, he is marginal.. Heavy footed DL that plods and struggles to find burst. Short stepper that gets stymied by adequate to solid OL play. Few moves beyond a basic bull rush, and rip through and dip. When playing at full speed, has solid moments.. needs to find consistency. Lack of urgency in the run and pass game mar his plus traits.

Scheme Fit:

A 3T due to his natural strength and run fitting ability

Power Statement:

Experienced, versatile player who is solid overall against the run, and marginal pass rusher. Subpar weight causes him to struggle to maintain gap integrity consistently. With continued development, could address some of the flaws that prevent him from reaching another level of play. One year of solid production/play time lends to idea of.