Patriots' third-year defender is primed for a big break-out
The New England Patriots thought they were landing a stud when they traded up to select Christian Barmore with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. So far, Barmore has had a strong start to his career, recording a total of 48 pressures and earning a spot on the […]
The New England Patriots thought they were landing a stud when they traded up to select Christian Barmore with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. So far, Barmore has had a strong start to his career, recording a total of 48 pressures and earning a spot on the PFWA all-rookie team.
However, Barmore's performance in the 2022 season was hampered by injuries, which resulted in him missing seven games. In the ten games he did participate in, he once again displayed glimpses of his potential to become a top-tier player. Although he wasn't as consistent as in his rookie season, he still flashed enough upside to remind us of the player he can be. It is possible the injury contributed to his slight regression too.
Barmore was impressive as a rookie, recording 48 pressures in 396 pass-rushing snaps, equating to a pressure rate of 12.1%. For comparison, Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams led all interior defensive linemen with 86 pressures, achieving a pressure rate of 13.1%. Barmore's rookie performance put him in elite territory.
Barmore was slightly less effective in his second season, but his overall play remained above average despite a decrease in playing time due to injury. He recorded 23 pressures in 229 pass-rushing snaps, resulting in a pressure rate of 10.0%. For context, Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs led all interior defensive linemen with 77 pressures and achieved a pressure rate of 12.4%.
There are elite pass-rushing reps all over Barmore's film, and the Patriots coaching staff clearly values him as a pass rusher as his snap share heavily favors the pass. This is partially because Barmore's best trait is his ability to get after the QB, which is the most valuable NFL trait for defensive linemen, but also because Barmore can be inconsistent as a run-defender. The combination of inconsistency as a run-defender and the Patriots wanting to keep him "fresh" for pass-rushing downs is why I believe he doesn't see the field much against the run.
The Patriots have drafted more "tweeners" in recent years like outside linebacker Josh Uche, and defensive lineman Anfernee Jennings and Ronnie Perkins. Those guys have struggled to see the field as full-time players due to their size and limitations against the run. It surely can't be a size concern for Barmore, as he stands at 6'5" 310lbs+.
2021:
Pass Snaps: 396
Run Snaps: 201
2022:
Pass Snaps: 229
Rush Snaps: 96
Barmore is a powerful, pocket-pushing pass rusher, but for him to be amongst the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL, he needs to become a complete player. I think he could benefit from being a bit more explosive from the first step to lateral quickness, and he needs to become more consistent as a run-defender. Barmore has flashed that well-rounded elite upside too, and there is room for him to grow. As an athlete, he didn't have the best agility drills coming into the league. He was only 21 years old when drafted, and now at 23 years old, he is still growing into his physical peak.
If Barmore can stay healthy and show up to training camp in shape, he is poised for a breakout season. The defense appears to be one of the strongest in the NFL, and the presence of a talented back-end should aid in his ability to rush the passer. Only time will tell, but Barmore is considered one of the core players for the team, and improvement from him would greatly benefit the franchise.
Featured image via Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
