Tyler Baron, a 6’5″, 260-pound edge defender from the University of Miami, has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. After spending four seasons at Tennessee, Baron transferred to Miami (FL) for his final year of eligibility in 2024, where he showcased his skills and potential as a pass rusher
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyler Baron, Miami (FL)
Physical Attributes and Athleticism
Baron possesses an impressive physical profile that aligns well with NFL standards for edge defenders. His 6’5″ frame provides excellent length, which he utilizes effectively in both pass-rushing and run defense situations. At 260 pounds, he has a solid build that allows him to hold his ground against offensive linemen while maintaining the athleticism needed to be a threat off the edge.
At the NFL Combine, Baron demonstrated his athletic prowess by finishing in the top 10 among edge rushers in several key drills:
- 40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds (6th)
- 10-yard split: 1.61 seconds (5th)
- Vertical jump: 35.5 inches (8th)
- Broad jump: 10.1 feet (8th)
These numbers underscore Baron’s explosiveness and agility, traits that translate well to the NFL level for edge defenders.
Pass Rushing Skills
Baron’s primary appeal lies in his ability to pressure the quarterback. He displays an advanced understanding of pass-rushing techniques, particularly in his hand usage. His explosive first step, combined with his length, makes him a challenging matchup for offensive tackles. Baron has shown the ability to win with both speed and power, utilizing a variety of moves to disengage from blockers and disrupt the backfield.
In his final collegiate season at Miami (FL), Baron recorded 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, demonstrating his ability to consistently penetrate the offensive line. His production against non-conference opponents was particularly notable, indicating his potential to perform against high-level competition.
Run Defense and Versatility
While Baron’s pass-rushing skills are his strongest asset, he has also shown promise in run defense. His length and strength allow him to set the edge effectively, using his long arms to maintain separation from blockers and pursue ball carriers. However, consistency in this area remains an area for improvement, as his performance against ACC opponents in 2024 showed some discrepancies compared to his non-conference play.
Baron’s versatility is another appealing aspect of his game. Scouts have noted his potential to play as an edge defender in both odd and even front defensive schemes, which adds to his value at the next level.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his impressive physical tools and pass-rushing acumen, Baron still has areas where he can develop. His play strength, while adequate, could be further enhanced to improve his effectiveness against NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Additionally, there are instances where his tackling technique and ability to break down in space need refinement, as he can sometimes appear out of control when approaching ball carriers.
Consistency is another key area for Baron to address. His performance fluctuated between non-conference and ACC opponents in 2024, which may raise questions about his ability to maintain a high level of play against top competition week in and week out.
NFL Projection
Baron projects as a day two draft pick with the potential to develop into a starting edge defender in the NFL. His ideal fit would be in an aggressive 4-3 scheme that allows him to utilize his pass-rushing skills from wide alignments. Initially, he may be best suited for a role as a designated pass rusher while he continues to develop his all-around game.
With proper coaching and development, particularly in refining his run defense and improving his consistency, Baron has the tools to become a quality starter by the end of his rookie contract. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical refinement in pass rushing provides a solid foundation for growth at the professional level.
Conclusion
Tyler Baron enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing edge defender prospect with a blend of physical tools and technical skills that will attract NFL teams. His performance at the Combine and his production at Miami (FL) have solidified his status as a potential impact player at the next level. While there are areas for improvement, Baron’s upside as a pass rusher and his versatility make him a valuable commodity in a league that prioritizes pressuring the quarterback. As he continues to refine his game, Baron has the potential to become a significant contributor to an NFL defense in the coming years.
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