NFL Draft Profile: Daniel Barker, Tight End, Michigan State Spartans
Daniel Barker
Michigan State Spartans
#87
Pos: TE
Ht: 6032
Wt: 241
Hand: 1018
Arm: 3338
Wing: 8158
40: 4.70
DOB: 9/23/1999
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
High School: Deerfield Beach
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Physical and competitive blocker who can align in-line, wing split, h-back and in the slot. Possesses the athletic traits, hands and body control to be more impactful in the passing game than he’s shown so far.
Evaluation:
Daniel Barker is an impressive athlete with a rocked-up frame which he maximizes in the run game. As a blocker, Barker is effective in-line, as an h-back, split in the wing and out in the slot. He’s technically sound, squaring up to his target with a wide base and extending his long arms outwards to initiate contact, then driving his legs to create displacement. Barker is best in downhill, man blocking schemes and is an astounding lead blocker from the wing position or as an h-back. He blocks every snap like it is his last, displaying immense physical toughness and looking to impose his will as he often pancakes defensive backs. Barker has untapped potential in the passing game, where his athleticism shines. He has the foot speed to threaten the seam and is comfortable settling behind linebackers and in front of safeties, to provide his quarterback an option. Furthermore, Barker showed improved route running in 2021 and can be utilized more often in the slot, going forward. He possesses smooth, efficient releases that utilize jab steps and head fakes to sell the defender one direction, then Barker makes a sharp cut at the break in the opposite direction. In addition, Barker can be a quarterback’s best friend due to his wide catch radius and impressive body control as he can contort his frame to make catches above his head, behind him and down the sideline. Barker struggles at times with zone blocking schemes because he hesitates when there are two defenders in his area that he must choose to block. His processing skills seem to be below average and it results in Barker failing to block either of the defenders in his zone. In addition, one kink that Barker should look to improve upon (and looked better in week one of 2021) is that he is occasionally the last man off the line. This flaw appears in both the run and pass game and leaves him a half step behind the play. Lastly, Barker is lacking the production (not a big part of Illinois’ passing game) that teams will be looking for and is certainly more of a potential play than a proven commodity at the college ranks.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Deerfield Beach High School and was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Began his college career at Illinois. As a freshman, he played in all twelve games, totaling nine receptions, eighty four receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. During his sophomore season, he played in all thirteen games, totaling 273 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, which ranked second on the team. During the shortened 2020 season, he played in all eight games, totaling 268 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. As a junior, he played in twelve games, totaling 202 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, which was tied for most on the team. Transferred to Michigan State University prior to the 2022 season. During this season, he played in twelve games, totaling twenty one receptions for 239 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
