Green Bay Packers: Scouting Report on UDFA LB Krys Barnes

Here is what one draft analyst has to say about Green Bay Packers’ undrafted free agent linebacker, Krys Barnes of UCLA.

As I continue to work my way through the Green Bay Packers’ 2020 undrafted free agent (UDFA) class, next up is linebacker Krys Barnes of UCLA.

Over the last few seasons, Blake Martinez and the linebacker position, in general, has been a hot-button topic among the Packer faithful. While Martinez was durable, racked up a ton of tackles, and was the quarterback of this defense, those aforementioned tackles often occurred a handful of yards downfield and he was limited in coverage.

However, Martinez is now in New York, and in his place is former Cleveland Brown, Christian Kirksey. But it’s fair to wonder whether or not Kirksey can stay healthy after missing significant playing time the past two seasons and behind him on the depth chart is a lot of unknowns.

Enter Barnes whose experience and skill-set will give him the opportunity to push for a roster spot this summer.

Over his career at UCLA, Barnes would appear in 43 games while recording 212 total tackles, 21 of which were for a loss, along with five sacks, including four just last season. Barnes would also add two interceptions, a forced fumble, and 15 pass breakups as well.

As one would hope, Barnes senior season was his best where according to Pro Football Focus, he would lead UCLA in stops with 34, he was second in solo tackles with 62, and he totaled 15 pressures in only 106 pass-rush attempts. That’s a pressure rate of over 14 percent.

It’s worth noting that listed at 6’1″ – 235 pounds, Barnes is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker, but his ability in coverage will be a welcomed sight in Green Bay. Not to mention that he can hold his own against the run as well.

For a closer look at Barnes’ game and what he brings to this Green Bay Packers’ defense, here is what Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network had to say about the inside linebacker in his final pre-draft scouting report:

"“Positives:Slightly undersized linebacker who shows a great head for the ball. Quick to read and diagnose the action, works hard in all aspects of the game and displays a closing burst of speed. Immediately locates the ball, sells out to make plays and wraps up tackling. Remains disciplined with assignments in coverage and shows ability facing the action. Solid open-field tackler who is fluid in lateral pursuit.Negatives: Possesses average size and speed. Lacks long pursuit speed.Analysis: Barnes was a hard-working linebacker who possesses a good head for the ball, but he comes with poor measurables. He offers possibilities as a sixth linebacker who can line up on coverage units at the next level.”"

As I previously mentioned there are some question marks surrounding this Packers’ linebacker unit once again in 2020. But with Oren Burks, Kamal Martin, Ty Summers, and Curtis Bolton, Green Bay isn’t lacking capable players, we just don’t know which, if any, of those players will step up. And that opens the door for a player like Barnes.

With that said, as is the case for any UDFA, it’ll be an uphill battle making the final roster. However, Barnes is certainly someone to keep your eyes on this summer.