Lander Barton stands at an impressive 6’4″ and weighs 236 pounds, possessing ideal size for a modern NFL linebacker. Born on December 30, 2003, Barton comes from a family with a rich athletic history at the University of Utah. As a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, he quickly made his mark, earning Second-Team Freshman All-American honors and being named Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Lander Barton, Utah
College Career and Production
Barton’s college career has been marked by flashes of brilliance, though somewhat limited by injuries. In his freshman season (2022), he recorded 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. His sophomore campaign in 2023 was cut short after seven games due to a right foot injury, but he still managed to accumulate 34 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and two passes broken up. Despite the limited sample size, Barton has impressed NFL advanced scouts, earning a high second-round projection for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Athletic Ability and Coverage Skills
Barton showcases excellent athleticism for the linebacker position. He possesses the speed, change of direction ability, and loose hips necessary to cover tight ends in man coverage and tighten throwing windows in zone coverage. His lateral movement skills are particularly noteworthy, allowing him to execute gap exchanges and stunts effectively against the run.
Football IQ and Instincts
Coming from an NFL family, Barton demonstrates high football acumen and processing speed. He keys and diagnoses plays quickly, showcasing a strong understanding of offensive schemes. This mental acuity, combined with his physical tools, projects him as a potential three-down defender at the next level.
Versatility
Barton’s skill set allows him to be a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinators. He has the ability to play as both a MIKE (middle) and SAM (strong-side) linebacker, offering scheme flexibility. His coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline range make him particularly valuable in sub-packages and passing situations.
Run Defense and Hand Usage
Against the run, Barton uses his hands well to take on blocks and is physical at the point of attack. He shows good patience and agility to avoid getting caught in traffic, allowing him to make plays in the backfield. His length is an asset when stacking and shedding blocks, displaying good leverage and hand usage.
Weaknesses
Strength and Block Shedding
While Barton is physical, he lacks the ideal strength to consistently shed blocks from NFL-caliber offensive linemen. This can cause him to struggle when holding his ground against more powerful blockers, potentially limiting his effectiveness as a downhill run defender.
Tackling Technique
Barton’s wrap-up technique needs refinement. He occasionally relies on shoulder tackles, leading to missed opportunities in open-field situations. Improving his form and consistency as a tackler will be crucial for his success at the next level.
Limited Sample Size and Durability Concerns
With only two seasons of significant playing time and an injury-shortened sophomore year, there are questions about Barton’s durability and ability to withstand the rigors of an NFL season. More game experience would help solidify his draft stock and alleviate these concerns.
Pass Rush Development
While Barton has shown flashes as a blitzer, his pass rush toolbox is still developing. He needs to expand his repertoire of moves to consistently win as a pass rusher at the NFL level.
NFL Projection and Fit
Lander Barton projects as a high-level backup with the potential to develop into a starting linebacker in the NFL. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect with a solid foundation to build upon. Barton’s strengths in coverage and sideline-to-sideline play align well with the demands of the modern NFL linebacker position.
Schematically, Barton would fit best in a defense that prioritizes speed and versatility from its linebackers. He has the potential to excel in a system that allows him to use his coverage skills and lateral quickness while continuing to develop his strength and run defense. Initially, he may be most effective in nickel and dime packages, where his coverage abilities can be maximized.
NFL teams will likely view Barton as a day-two draft prospect, with a projected draft range spanning from the late second round to the early fourth round. His ultimate draft position will depend on his performance in pre-draft workouts and how teams weigh his potential against his limited college sample size.
Conclusion
Lander Barton represents the prototype of the modern NFL linebacker – athletic, versatile, and capable in coverage. While he needs to improve his strength and refine certain aspects of his game, his foundation of skills and football intelligence provide a solid base for development. With proper coaching and physical maturation, Barton has the potential to become a valuable three-down linebacker in the NFL, capable of impacting the game in multiple facets.
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