Michael Barrett, LB Michigan
Size:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 233 pounds
Arm Length: 32 1/8"
Hand Size: 8 1/2"
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten (2023, 2022)
“Michael Barrett is a rangy second-level defender who has above-average size, athleticism, and instincts to affect the game in both phases.”
Strengths:
Coverage
Tackling
Range
Concerns:
Instincts
Length
Film Analysis:
Michael Barrett is an experienced linebacker who has enjoyed a ton of success throughout his collegiate career. Barrett is a sixth-year senior who has been an impact player since his sophomore season in 2020. Barrett was a team leader and one of the core players for the Wolverines' defense which led them to a National Championship.
Barrett has above-average size and has a muscular build with a thick lower half. He has just average length but is an above-average overall athlete. Barrett aligns as an off-ball linebacker who excels playing in space.
In the passing game, Barrett displays excellent zone awareness and gets good depth in his zone drops. He is a fluid mover in space and can read the quarterback's eyes and take him to the football. Barrett has good speed and can close in a hurry when he sees a receiver enter the flat. As a man defender, Barrett lacks length and to combat bigger, more physical tight ends but does a good job against most running backs. Barrett is an effective blitzer as well, as he has good speed to close and timing at the snap.
In the run game, Barrett is a sideline-to-sideline defender who is excellent at chasing the football laterally. He works well through traffic and can flow to the football when he sees it clearly. He has issues with misdirection and counters and traps get him in trouble. Additionally, he is just an average downhill player and struggles to take on blockers and shedding to make the play. By all accounts, Barrett has an excellent motor and plays with a good physical temperament.
Overall, Barrett has the speed and coverage ability to carve out a niche in an NFL defense, but his deficiencies in the run game likely result in him being a part-time player at the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Brentley Weissman
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Ohio State (2023), Penn State (2023)