Landon Barnes

Physical Profile

Standing at a verified 6-foot-3.5 to 6-foot-4 and weighing between 235-245 pounds, Barnes has the ideal length and frame to be a disruptive force on the edge at the Power Four level. His build combines size and twitch, indicating the capacity to add significant mass and strength in a college program without sacrificing his athletic traits. On3's scouting report highlights his blend of size and twitch as exactly what coaches at the next level covet along the defensive front.

Play Style

Barnes is a versatile edge defender who has taken significant snaps with his hand on the ground in a four-man front but could thrive in a two-point stance where he can better utilize his athleticism in space. He is a twitchy and powerful athlete who excels as a pass rusher, using his explosive get-off to challenge blockers. He plays with relentless effort against the run and has a knack for making plays in the backfield, consistently demonstrating the ability to set the edge. His moments of dominance at showcase events and against elite high school opponents highlight his disruptive capabilities.

Strengths

• Explosive first step and arc-running athleticism that allows him to threaten the outside shoulder of offensive tackles.
• Demonstrates impressive speed-to-power conversion, showing the ability to collapse the pocket and physically overwhelm blockers once he gains momentum.
• Plays with a high motor and is effective against the run, fighting through blocks and setting a firm edge to make plays. As a junior, he recorded 43 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss.
• Instinctive pass rusher who shows a natural feel for getting to the quarterback, evidenced by his eight quarterback hurries and multiple sacks against top-tier Texas 6A competition.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to improve timing the snap, as film shows instances of being a half-step late off the ball, which can negate his explosive traits.
• Continued development of hand usage and point-of-attack strength is necessary to consistently disengage from larger offensive linemen at the SEC level.

College Projection

Barnes projects as a future impact player and multi-year starter for Ole Miss in Pete Golding's defensive scheme. He has enrolled early, which should accelerate his development. Given his athletic profile and the coaching he'll receive, he has the potential to see the field in situational pass-rushing downs as a true freshman. With a year in an SEC weight program to add strength, he is expected to compete for a starting role by his sophomore season and has already generated buzz as a potential "household name" in early spring practices.

NFL Outlook

With a high-end athletic profile, a projectable frame, and production against some of the best high school competition in the nation, Barnes possesses a clear path to the NFL. His combination of length, motor, and pass-rush upside fits the mold of a modern NFL edge defender. Continued development of his technique and strength throughout his college career could position him to be a Day 2 or Day 3 NFL Draft selection.

Best Fit

Barnes is an excellent fit for a multi-front defensive scheme that allows its edge players to attack from both two-point and three-point stances. His athleticism would be maximized in a system that values getting upfield and creating pressure, but he also has the toughness and motor to be a reliable run defender in a more traditional 4-3 alignment. Ole Miss' defensive scheme under Pete Golding, which often features versatile edge players, is a strong fit for his skill set.