UCLA’s Anthony Barr’s only been playing defense for two years, but at least one team thinks he’s ready to make another switch.
After transitioning from running back to outside linebacker the last two seasons for the Bruins, Barr said during a visit with the Cowboys that defensive end Rod Marinelli think he’s a 4-3 defensive end.
“I spoke with him at length today,” Barr said of Marinelli, via the team’s official website. “He showed me a lot of tape of (Julius) Peppers and Simeon Rice and (Warren) Sapp, so I think he wants me playing that defensive right end position to go after the quarterback, and that’s something I’m all for.”
Never having played in a 4-3 doesn’t seem to bother them, as Barr has flashed plenty of pass-rush potential, with 23.5 sacks in two seasons.
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Barr might be a little leaner than some ends, but the recent comparison to DeMarcus Ware might not be off the mark.
The problem for the Cowboys will be being able to get to him, as he’s a possible top 10 pick, when they’re at 16 unless they make a move.