Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Manuel Barrera () - 1970 NFL Draft Pick #131 by PIT

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Manuel Barrera - 1970 NFL Draft

Player Overview: Manuel Barrera, a standout at the University of Southern California, emerged as a highly regarded prospect leading into the 1970 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility and strong performance in college, Barrera was expected to bring a unique skill set to the professional level.

• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of Southern California
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 230 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatility: Barrera showcased the ability to play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
• Speed and Agility: His quickness allowed him to cover ground effectively, making plays in both run defense and pass coverage.
• Football Intelligence: Demonstrated a strong understanding of the game, often reading plays before they developed.
• Tackling Ability: Known for his aggressive tackling style, Barrera was effective at stopping ball carriers in their tracks.

Areas for Improvement:

• Injury Concerns: Some scouts pointed to past injuries that could potentially affect his durability at the professional level.
• Pass Coverage Skills: While good, his pass coverage skills were viewed as an area that needed refining to compete against elite receivers.

Projected Draft Status:

Most analysts projected Manuel Barrera to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1970 NFL Draft, with teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. His combination of physical tools and football IQ made him an appealing choice for teams in need of defensive reinforcements.

Conclusion:

Manuel Barrera was seen as a promising prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His college career at USC had set the stage for what many hoped would be a successful professional career.