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Joined: 2/6/2007
Posts: 747
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Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange
Overview |
The veteran anchor of the Buckeyes' front wall, Barton was the
team's mainstay at right offensive tackle since his freshman campaign.
Injuries limited the tackle the last few years, but when healthy he
showed he is a powerful, explosive blocker who plays low in his pads
and with great intensity. He works hard at sustaining his blocks and
allowing plays to develop and has become a good pass blocker because of
his balance and mobility.
Barton was considered one of the top linemen in the Midwest and
one of the Top 100 nationally by Rivals.com as a senior at Perry High
School. He played defensive tackle and tight end and simply overpowered
opponents. He also lettered in basketball as a freshman and sophomore,
but then concentrated on football his final two years. In 2003, Barton enrolled at Ohio State, spending the year
competing as an offensive tackle on the scout team until he suffered a
left shoulder sprain that required surgery at mid-season. He was held
out of 2004 spring drills while recovering from shoulder woes and then
lined up at right tackle behind Tim Shafer for the first five games.
The OSU ground game struggled with Shafer in the lineup, averaging
111.8 yards per game. When Barton took over those chores for the final
seven contests, the Buckeyes averaged 169.43 yards per game on the
ground.
Barton started eight of nine games at right tackle in 2005. He
sat out the Michigan State, Indiana and Minnesota contests and played
just one series vs. Illinois due a right knee anterior cruciate
ligament tear. As a junior, he battled left foot plantar fasciitis all
season, but started all 13 games, earning team Offensive Lineman of the
Week honors four times. He registered 61 knockdowns with eight
touchdown-resulting blocks. The offense thrived under his pass
protection, as OSU quarterbacks averaged 214.7 yards per game passing
and the team had 31 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.
Barton was named All-Big Ten Conference first-team in 2007. He
allowed just one sack while registering 74 knockdowns with eight
touchdown-resulting blocks. He made seven of those touchdown blocks on
running plays, as the Buckeyes averaged 196.4 yards per game on the
ground.
At the 2008 Senior Bowl practices, Barton suffered a right knee
strain. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but he was forced to miss
the game and underwent an arthroscopic procedure Jan. 24 that prevented
him from participating in agility tests at the NFL Combine.
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Analysis |
Positives: Has good upper body thickness with solid
arm muscles and thick thighs … Bit undersized, but has a frame that can
carry more bulk … Smart player who shows good awareness and feel for
movement up front and has enough knowledge of the defensive coverages
to make offensive line calls … Can make adjustments and recognizes
stunts and games that develop up front … Tough player who will work to
stay after a block and plays until the whistle … Called by the coaches
a gym rat who loves all aspects of football … Has a good concept for
taking good angles to compensate for his lack of athletic ability …
Flashes recovery ability, dropping his pads and extending his arms to
get a piece of the defender … Keeps his head on a swivel and is an
efficient space blocker who is quick to locate his targets … Plays with
a mauler's mentality, but needs to develop a stronger hand punch … Much
more agile in his pass set than on pulls and traps … Since he recovered
from 2006 foot woes, he showed much better mirror agility and kick
slide taking on edge rushers … Has the vision to recognize stunts and
twists, getting into position to counter those moves … Uses his frame
well to seal on the edge, using his long reach to stave off the pass
rusher … Has an effective arm-bar motion to lock up and sustain vs. the
bull rush … More effective taking on powerful defenders than quicker
ones, as he likes to combat his man, demonstrating great tenacity in
his game … Generates strong movement firing low off the snap … Strikes
with arms fully extended, getting solid power behind his thrusts into
the defender's chest … Keeps a good relationship with the edge rushers,
mirroring their moves to wall off and seal … Made solid improvements in
his pass blocking technique, showing a wider leg base and better hand
placement as a senior … Jolts the pass rusher back with his powerful
hand swipes and works hard to keep his hands inside the defender.
Negatives: Has had several issues with his right
knee and also had left foot plantar faciitis, making his durability a
concern … Needs better lower body muscle definition, especially in his
calves … More of a waist bender and lacks explosion coming off the snap
because of it … Gets too tall in his stance and narrows his base,
causing him to spend a lot of unnecessary time on the ground (defenders
have good success upending him) … Shows stiffness in his hips and lacks
good balance on the move, negating a possibility of making him a
pulling guard … Occasionally flashes knee-bend, but is more of a
waist-bender and a short-stepper who lacks quick, light feet … Flashes
some nastiness, but needs to work on finishing blocks more consistently
… Lacks good short-area quickness and feet to switch off and make good
angle blocks … Performs better on double-teams than he does in
one-on-one battles … Has marginal ability to sustain blocks, as he
engages opponents with his helmet and hands in the defenders' chests,
at times, working into position, but waist-bends and slides off too
soon … Occasionally latches on to defenders and moves his feet to
run-block, but is usually too high here … Gathers himself with his head
down when run-blocking and doesn't always fire off the ball … Has
marginal ability to pull or trap … An adequate athlete, at best, who
doesn't cover ground real well … Will lead through the hole with his
head down and miss the target, at times … Gets to the second level too
slowly and linebackers often get over the top of him … Has only
adequate ability as a pass-blocker and he catches bull rushes too
often, resulting in him getting knocked back … Will hold when he's
beaten around the edge and shows just adequate hand usage and punch …
Often catches and gets his hands outside his opponent's frame, rarely
engaging and latching on to the defender inside and must generate a
stronger hand punch … Possesses marginal foot quickness, as he is a
hard, short-stepper whose feet don't move very quickly.
Compares To: MIKE GANDY-Arizona … Barton is a
lunch pail type who quietly goes about his job. He is effective at
sustaining and widening the rush lanes and works well on combo blocks
with his guards. He is more of a waist bender, which makes him look
sluggish on pulls and traps, but he shows better quickness in his pass
set to neutralize edge rushers. He needs to develop a stronger hand
punch and has some slight durability concerns.
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Injury Report |
2003: Suffered a left shoulder AC joint sprain midway through the season.
2004: Sat out spring drills after undergoing left shoulder
surgery in January … Tried to return at the end of spring ball, but
suffered an ankle sprain.
2005: Did not play vs. Michigan State (10/15), Indiana (10/22)
and Minnesota (10/29) while also seeing just brief action vs. Illinois
(11/05) after he suffered a right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear
vs. Penn State (10/08).
2006: Played most of the year with left foot plantar faciitis,
undergoing a minor procedure to reduce pain after he had left after the
second play of the Bowling Green game (10/07).
2008: Suffered a right knee strain in Senior Bowl practices,
undergoing arthroscopic surgery on January 24th that prevented him from
participating in agility tests at the NFL Combine in February.
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Agility Tests |
Campus: 5.01 in the 40-yard dash … 1.71 10-yard dash … 2.87 20-yard
dash … 4.59 20-yard shuttle … 7.67 three-cone drill … 31 ½-inch
vertical jump … 8'4" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 34 times …
34 ¼-inch arm length … 9-inch hands … Right-handed.
Combine: Did not receive an invitation.
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High School |
Attended Perry (Massillion, Oh.) High School, playing football for
head coach Keith Wakefield … Considered one of the top linemen in the
Midwest and one of the Top 100 nationally by Rivals.com as a senior …
Played defensive tackle and tight end and simply overpowered opponents
… Also lettered in basketball as a freshman and sophomore, but then
concentrated on football his final two years. |
Personal |
History major who plans to become a teacher when his playing days
are over … Son of Brigette and the late Kirk Barton, Jr … His father,
who passed away in 1997, played college football at Ohio University and
was a teammate of current Buckeye offensive coordinator Jim Bollman
(Bollman was a senior and Barton a freshman) … Sister, Kasondra
(Kasey), attends Ohio State on an academic scholarship … Born 11/14/84
… Resides in Massillion, Ohio.
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Joined: 2/6/2007
Posts: 747
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Round Seven impressions
Developmental projects line final round
By Nolan Nawrocki
April 27, 2008
The Bears took a shot in the dark with Michigan State DE Ervin Baldwin, as did the Chiefs with Gardner-Webb DE Brian Johnston — two developmental pass rushers who will struggle to make rosters.
After drafting Brian Brohm in the second round, the Packers added another passer in LSU QB Matt Flynn, who could contend for a No. 3 job. A one-year starter, he lacks experience but does have some tools with which to work.
All the final round usually leaves is developmental prospects, and
many others continued to come off the board, including Arkansas OT Nate Garner (Jets), Ohio State OLB Larry Grant (49ers), Ohio DT Landon Cohen (Lions) and Northwestern State (La.) OT Demetrius Bell (Bills),
the son of basketball great Karl Malone. Garner has size but limited
experience. Grant was a one-year starter and could help on special
teams. Cohen and Bell both are athletic but underpowered and need to
get stronger.
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio drafted another
player from his alma mater, after taking Thomas Williams in the fourth
round, by selecting USC RB Chauncey Washington in the
seventh round. Washington ran extremely well at his pro day, clocking
in the low-4.4s, and if he could toughen up, he could earn a No. 3 job.
Lions GM Matt Millen, whose son Marcus plays football for Army, gave his son's teammate Caleb Campbell a chance to make the squad. Campbell's best chance for the Lions may be as a weak-side linebacker.
Arizona State S Josh Barrett surprisingly slid to
the seventh round in part because of questions about his work habits,
mental makeup and overall football character, but the Broncos landed a very physically gifted talent who has a chance if he learns to take the game more seriously.
Unlike Bears' first-round pick Chris Williams, Georgia OT Chester Adams
is big, strong and powerful. He has good versatility, having lined up
at right tackle as a senior, and should be able to compete for playing
time inside.
Northern Iowa ORT Brandon Keith was off some boards for various reasons, but he is big, strong and physical and fits Cardinals O-line
coach Russ Grimm's profile of an offensive lineman like a glove. Under
Grimm's tutelage, he could become a solid pro if he can stay healthy.
Other size prospects, including Auburn's King Dunlap (Eagles), Texas A&M's Corey Clark (Chargers), Buffalo's Jamey Richard (Colts) and Oregon's Geoff Schwartz (Panthers) fell
into the seventh round, and all will likely earn roster spots and
provide depth. Dunlap is a gentle giant who plays too soft. Clark has
great mass and may help more at guard than tackle. Richard is nasty and
really could benefit from the tutelage of OL coach Howard Mudd.
Schwartz is strong and flashes some power and could turn out to be a
seventh-round value.
Some solid developmental receivers came off the board, including Kentucky's Steve Johnson (Bills), San Diego State's Chaz Schilens (Raiders) and Michigan's Adrian Arrington (Saints).
Johnson adds size to the Bills' lineup. Schilens' great measurables
surely intrigued Al Davis. The Saints traded back into the seventh
round to land Arrington, who, despite questions about his
character, has great football intelligence and came on late in the
season. He could turn out to be a pleasant surprise if the Saints
can keep him in line.
Two blocking tight ends — LSU's Keith Zinger (Falcons) and Central Florida's Mike Merritt (Chiefs) — both could battle for jobs as unsung blockers, but will struggle to make it.
Oklahoma RB Allen Patrick could turn out to be a solid special-teams player for the Ravens. Injury and intelligence issues pushed him down draft boards.
The Bears, with a draft marked by character and injury concerns, drafted two more who fit the categories, respectively, in Ohio State OT Kirk Barton and Arkansas WR Marcus Monk.
The final three picks of the draft have a chance to make clubs. The Panthers may have found some depth on their offensive line with the selection of Bentley OG Mackenzy Bernadeau. He is big and naturally athletic and adds versatility to play guard or tackle. Pittsburgh CB Kennard Cox
might be remembered most for getting exposed opposite Darrelle Revis as
a junior, but kicked inside to safety he could make the Bills' roster. The Rams also could hit on Idaho OLB David Vobora, who is smart, disciplined and athletic enough to become a staple on special teams.
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Joined: 2/6/2007
Posts: 747
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Grant, Barton Go Late and More Gholston Goodness
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ 2008/ 04/ grant-barton-go-late-and-more-gholston-goo...
Thanks to late Sunday calls, Larry Grant and Kirk Barton will be
getting a chance to prove they belong at the next level. Both were
taken in the seventh round, Grant by San Francisco and Barton by the
Bears. Aside from the thrill of, you know, hearing your name called in
the NFL draft, Grant will surely see his streak of consecutive
championship game losses ended with the 49ers and Barton missed “Mr.
Irrelevance” status by 5 spots. So, happy thoughts all around. Fullback
Dionte Johnson was not selected and will try to make teams via the free
agency route.
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Joined: 2/6/2007
Posts: 747
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Bears Round 7 Draft Picks
http://www.bearsgab.com/ 2008/ 04/ 27/ bears-round-7-draft-picks/
The Bears had Five picks in round 7 and went with three offensive and
two Defensive players. 1(208) Ervin Baldwin a 6′2″2 270 lb Defensive
End Michigan State. 15(222) Chester Adams 6′4″ 335 lb guard from
Georgia. 36(243) Joey Larocque a 6′2″ 226 lb Linebacker from Oregon
State. 40(247) Kirk Barton a 6′5″ 310 Tackle from The Ohio State
University. 41(248) Marcus Monk 6′2″ 222 lb Wide receiver from
Arkansas. Final Draft Grades and analysis coming up!
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Joined: 2/6/2007
Posts: 747
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NFL draft
End was near, but Bears take Ohio State's Barton
Monday,
April 28, 2008 3:16 AM
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
RENEE SAUER | DISPATCH
"At
least someone wanted me and was willing to give me a chance. But, oh
man, was it a long day." — Ohio State offensive tackle Kirk Barton
Though he tried to remain calm, Kirk Barton couldn't help but get upset as he watched the waning
picks in the NFL draft yesterday.
The Ohio State offensive tackle was projected to be taken anywhere from the fourth to the sixth
round. But as the seventh round came and he was still sitting, undrafted, in his Canton home,
Barton was suffering.
"It was hard, down towards the last 30, 20, 10 picks, wondering, 'Is it going to happen?' "
Barton said.
It did happen, finally. Chicago drafted him with the 247th overall pick, with just five picks
left in the draft.
He was the third and final Buckeyes player drafted. Defensive end Vernon Gholston went sixth
overall to the New York Jets on Saturday, and linebacker Larry Grant was a seventh-round selection
(214th overall) of San Francisco yesterday.
Two OSU fullbacks signed free-agent deals immediately after the draft: Dionte Johnson with
Arizona and Tyler Whaley with Cincinnati.
But of them all, Barton had the most difficult weekend. He was a four-year starter for OSU, and
last season earned all-Big Ten and All-America honors.
Barton said he's not sure why he slipped. He does know the experience will send him to the Bears
with something to prove.
"I'll be ready to go for minicamp," he said. "At least someone wanted me and was willing to give
me a chance. But, oh man, was it a long day."
Grant was drafted about where he was projected to go -- late, if at all.
He was thrilled the 49ers drafted him. It will be a homecoming for Grant, who spent the majority
of his childhood in California and also played the 2004 and 2005 seasons at San Francisco City
College before transferring to Ohio State.
He spent the draft with family in Sacramento, Calif.
"I've got a lot of family in the San Francisco area," Grant said. "My emotions are out of
control right now, I'm so happy and excited."
Johnson feels he's in good hands with Arizona. The running backs coach who called him numerous
times yesterday is Maurice Carthon, a former New York Giants teammate of Dionte's father, Pepper
Johnson.
Dionte was looking forward to heading to Glendale, Ariz., for minicamp this weekend.
"I've got some unfinished business in that stadium," he said, referring to Ohio State's loss to
Florida in January 2007.
Whaley's signing was a bit of a surprise, but it fits his pattern. He walked on to Ohio State
five years ago as an offensive lineman, and he didn't see significant playing time until switching
to fullback in 2007.
He parlayed that year of experience into a $3,000 signing bonus and a chance to make the roster
of the Bengals, his favorite team as a kid growing up in Ironton, Ohio.
"It's another dream come true, just like walking on to Ohio State," Whaley said. "I couldn't ask
for more."
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