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The New England Patriots traded up in the second round, and it was Alabama DT Christian Barmore they had on their mind. Barmore has great explosiveness at tackle, and an interior pass rush is crucial in today’s pass happy NFL. You can bet that coach Bill Belichick spoke at length with old friend Nick Saban before making this move.
From our draft profile:
Barmore did not become a full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore like Quinnen Williams did, but nobody will argue with the results. He started five total games, including the last four, and played in every game except the opener again. Barmore suffered a minor knee injury during fall camp in September that slowed him down a bit.
Over the first seven games, he had 2 sacks and 2 TFL. Over the final six games, he notched 6 sacks and 7 TFL. His 8 total sacks was good for first on the team and second in the SEC. His 9 TFL was good for third on the team and tied for sixth in the SEC. Barmore also had 6 QB hurries, 3 pass break-ups, and 3 forced fumbles. He was an easy first team All-SEC pick by both the coaches and the AP.
Barmore’s consistency has been questioned though it it likely overblown, and New England offers a structured environment that is the closest think the NFL has to what he has known in Tuscaloosa. This should be a great fit for him as a plug and play rotational rusher.
Roll Tide.