Elijah Barnes

Athletic off-ball linebacker prospect with desired combination of multi-sport participation, verified athletic markers, and some degree of two-way snaps. Plays under control and tends to not over-pursue. Seems to play with good vision and anticipation as a run defender and a blitzer. Instinctively finds creases vs. the run and sniffs out in-the-box pass rush lanes. Strong enough to play through contact and athletic enough to defend space. Possesses strong track profile with a 10.96 junior 100-meter time that followed encouraging 11.1 and 11.2 reps as a sophomore. Owns valuable part-time offensive snaps that represent a commonality in NFL Draft linebacker selections in recent years. Plays aware and with speed-changing nuance in pursuit, using sudden twitch to defeat angles and close space. Excellent big-play context in Fall 2023 with a dozen TFL, four INTs, and six forced fumbles. Good tackler but sometimes leaves his feet and can drive to finish more consistently. Occasionally plays too upright. Might have an extra gear to unlock given terrific track and combine testing speed markers. Projects as a high-major player who could become a multi-year impact starter with clear NFL Draft upside.