Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dominique Barber (Minnesota) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #173 by HOU

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dominique Barber (2008 NFL Draft)

Position: Safety
College: University of Minnesota

Overview

Dominique Barber, a safety from the University of Minnesota, entered the 2008 NFL Draft with a solid college career that showcased his skills on the field. As a member of the Golden Gophers, Barber demonstrated his ability to read plays and make critical tackles, making him a notable prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Strengths

• Football IQ: Barber exhibited a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to anticipate plays and react quickly.
• Versatility: He had experience playing both safety positions, giving him value in various defensive alignments.
• Tackling Ability: Known for his solid tackling skills, Barber was effective in run support and was not afraid to step up against ball carriers.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to improving his game, both in practice and during the offseason.
• Leadership: Barber's experience as a starter made him a natural leader on the field, often directing teammates and communicating effectively.

Weaknesses

• Speed: While Barber was a competent athlete, he lacked elite speed, which could limit his effectiveness in coverage against faster receivers.
• Coverage Skills: There were concerns about his ability to match up with athletic tight ends and wide receivers in man coverage.
• Injury History: Some minor injuries during his college career raised questions about his durability at the professional level.

Overall Assessment

Dominique Barber entered the 2008 NFL Draft as a solid safety prospect with a good combination of skills and leadership qualities. While he may not possess elite athleticism, teams could find value in his intelligence and ability to contribute both in coverage and run support. Barber was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the draft, potentially serving as a reliable backup and special teams player with the upside to develop into a starting safety with further coaching and experience.