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UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr is an intriguing option for the Arizona Cardinals in this year's NFL Draft, where they pick 20th overall. Some have felt that he could be a player that falls.
But NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock is having nothing to do with this talk of Barr slipping in the draft.
In a recent conference call, he was asked about Barr and Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier. He said that Shazier was not a good fit for the Cardinals and that Barr won't even make it.
"Barr would make a ton of sense for Arizona, but I don't think he'll be on the board," he explained.
"I don't think he's sliding," he said. "I think that's more of a media perception. I think he could go as early as 11 to Tennessee. I think Dallas would love him at 16. This draft is not deep in edge rushers. The bottom line with Barr is I think his best football is ahead of him. You might have to wait two years. He only played the position for two years. He needs to get stronger at the point of attack, he needs to learn the position from a perspective of learning how to pass-rush. Every rush can't be a speed rush. But the kid has great talent. He's the prototype 34 outside linebacker. I don't think there's any way he gets into the 20s."
Were you getting your hopes up that Barr would be around for the Cardinals to pick? If you believe in what Mayock says, then you might need to temper those hopes. He won't be in the mix for Arizona.
