Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kantroy Barber (West Virginia) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #124 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Kantroy Barber (1996 NFL Draft)

College: West Virginia University
Position: Linebacker

Overview

Kantroy Barber emerged as a standout linebacker at West Virginia, known for his athleticism and instinctive play on the field. As the 1996 NFL Draft approached, he was a player that scouts and teams were keenly interested in.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Barber possessed excellent speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
• Tackling Ability: He was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to wrap up ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: Barber demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive schemes, often reading plays well before they developed.
• Versatility: Could play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset for defensive coordinators looking to mix up schemes.

Areas for Improvement

• Size: While Barber was athletic, some scouts were concerned about his size and ability to take on larger NFL running backs.
• Consistency: At times, he struggled with consistency in tackling and coverage, which could lead to big plays against his defense.
• Injury History: There were some concerns regarding past injuries that could affect his durability at the professional level.

Projected Draft Position

Most analysts projected Kantroy Barber to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft, with potential as a special teams player and a backup linebacker who could develop into a starter with the right coaching.

Conclusion

Kantroy Barber's combination of athleticism, instincts, and versatility made him an intriguing prospect leading up to the 1996 NFL Draft. While there were concerns about his size and consistency, his potential to impact a team as a linebacker and special teams contributor could not be overlooked.