With the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Anthony Barr out of UCLA.
Position: Outside Linebacker
Measurables: 6’5”, 255 lbs, 33 ½” arm length, 9 3/8” hands
Barr’s outstanding athleticism was on display as early as high school, helping him to all-California honors at running back during his junior year (1,890 yards and 20 touchdowns). Barr won the Lott IMPACT award at right outside linebacker for the UCLA Bruins in 2013, and was also a finalist for the Butkus, Bednarik, and Lombardi awards – amassing 65 tackles (20 for a loss), 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles in 13 starts. His 6.82 second in the 3-cone drill at the NFL Combine placed him amongst the top-tier of linebackers for the event.
Barr’s speed is on full display right at the snap, accelerating toward the ball, and closing in on tackles. When he is out of position, he has an exceptional ability to recover and make up for it with his unbelievable athleticism. When he hits, he hits hard – as evidenced by his season-ending hit on former USC quarterback Matt Barkley back in 2012. When he engages quickly, Barr has the ability to make highlight reel hits look routine.
Check out Anthony Barr's highlight video for a closer look into what he brings to the Vikings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJjHsSrfpPk
