2021 NFL Draft: Christian Barmore wakes up doubters in Rose Bowl

Christian Barmore. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Barmore woke up the sleeping doubters against Notre Dame

If you were to ask most draft analysts what the weakest position in the 2021 NFL Draft class was, most would say the interior defensive line. They would be correct. However, Christian Barmore from Alabama has been balling all year long and that has been amplified in this college football semi final game against Notre Dame.

Prior to the season, fans and analysts alike were looking for Christian Barmore to solidify the top spot for the interior defensive line class by lightning up the stat sheet and dominating offensive linemen all year. He hasn’t lit up the stat sheet, but he has been wreaking havoc on interior offensive lineman on a weekly basis.

Christian Barmore have a night!

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Against Notre Dame, Barmore lived in the backfield. The knock on Barmore is that he hasn’t shown up on the stat sheet, but that couldn’t be more false today. Recording tackles for losses and sacks, Barmore has shown what he can do. His motor was constantly running hot today and he and the defensive line were able to limit the explosive Kyren Williams, and the sneaky Ian Book.

Barmore hasn’t been able to always record the numbers like he did against Notre Dame, but that doesn’t mean he has been bad. All season, Barmore has been getting into the backfield and has been forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. The only difference is that he has been able to finish today. Never just look at the box score. The pressures and QB hits that Barmore has recorded all year don’t show up on the stat sheet, but they are there.

Zack Patraw of The Dynasty Draft Room outlines some strengths in Barmore’s game:

"He’s strong and powerful throughout his entire frame. His hands are very active and deadly. He disengages from blockers really well and is very hard to get a grasp on his frame. He does a good job of keeping his chest clean and fight for his gap. His swim move is tremendous and has a good arm over move. He’s strong at squeezing in gaps and fighting for the lane. He does well to keep his gap integrity and will force plays into danger."

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In a weak interior defensive line class, Barmore has a real shot as winding up at the top of the class. He’s heated up in recent weeks, and his draft stock has hit an upward swing. Keep an eye on Barmore, he could easily sneak into round one of the 2021 NFL Draft in April.

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