Connor Barwin Scouting Report

Whatever you need, Connor Barwin will do. In 2005 he started his collegiate career as a backup tight end. He was one of just two freshmen to see any playing time on the Bearcats offense. When football season was over, the 6-4, 255 pound Hazel Park, Michigan native went to help out a basketball team that was in dire need of some big men. He saw action in 18 games that year and played an important role off the bench. The story was the same during the 2006 campaign when Barwin played backup tight end and was a staple on special teams. He then helped out the basketball team once again. In 2007 Barwin was just a tight end and not a basketball player, but by 2008 he was moved to defensive end. It took a while, but Cincinnati finally found him a good spot. During his lone year on the defensive line, Barwin tallied 53 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks. That production quickly turned him into a solid prospect for the NFL. At 6-4 and 255 pounds he already has the build to play on the end or the outside linebacker spot in a 3-4 defense. He is a slight risk due to his lack of experience at those positions, but his potential is through the roof and somebody will take a shot at him in the second round. 4/16 Update: It very well could be the Patriots who take him early in the second round. Due to comparisons to Mike Vrabel, Barwin just seems like a perfect fit in New England. Yet, it is not out of the realm of possibility that he could spend some time at tight end. Most likely he will be an end in a 4-3 defense or an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Either way, Barwin should be a second round selection and will make the most of his attributes no matter where he plays.