Syracuse linebacker Justin Barron participated in this year’s Senior Bowl. Barron was a late addition to Mobile but managed to maximize his opportunity. The versatile defender improved his standing with NFL scouts.
Barron recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Barron discussed getting a late call-up to the Senior Bowl, what he proved to scouts in attendance, transitioning from linebacker to safety, and more.
JM: You got to partake in this year's Senior Bowl as a late addition. What was that process and experience like for you? I’m sure it was hectic, but it was a great opportunity.
Justin Barron: It was a blessing. As a kid growing up, you have your dreams and aspirations of hopefully one day playing in the Senior Bowl. Coming from Syracuse and going to an event like that allowed me to compete against the best of the best. It was an awesome opportunity.
They gave me a chance to show what I’m capable of. I don’t think I can properly echo how much I appreciated the opportunity. It was a huge blessing.
JM: What do you think you proved to scouts and general managers in attendance throughout your short time there?
Justin Barron: I think the biggest thing for me was to show that I can play inside the box on a full-time basis. I know scouts had questions about my ability to make the conversion from safety. I didn’t have an offseason to make the move from safety to linebacker. It happened on the fly.
For me, it was really about excelling and showcasing my versatility. I was able to stay in the right gaps and read the offense from the box. I also did what I do best, and that’s cover and play in space. I was able to show all of that to the best of my abilities.
JM: You're being treated like a linebacker-safety hybrid throughout this process. You played multiple positions at Syracuse. What feedback are you getting from NFL teams about your position moving forward?
Justin Barron: You said it best, the feedback has been that I’ll be moving downhill from safety to linebacker. The feedback has indicated that the league sees me as a prototypical linebacker at the next level. The game has changed a lot.
It’s a pass-heavy league, and that’s created a need for smaller, athletic players to play in space, and inside the box. I’m going to be a linebacker who can cover and zone drop [in coverage]. I can play man coverage and cover sideline to sideline. They’re placing a premium on smaller, faster defenders who can be physical at the line of scrimmage. I have those tools at my disposal.
JM: You've had 90 tackles in back-to-back years. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to always be around the football? That should make for a smooth transition to linebacker.
Justin Barron: I think it’s all about play recognition and film study. A lot of football players watch film, but for me, it’s really all I do (laughs). I recognize formations and see tendencies on film. I love learning about the offense and even the offensive coordinator’s personality and approach.
I pay attention to their go-to tendencies in down-and-distance situations. I look for how they create mismatches. I apply what I learned on film during a game. It’s very important. I think that’s a big part of my game.
JM: You also have 16 career pass breakups and two interceptions. Talk to me about your ability to play in coverage, because it's important at both linebacker and safety.
Justin Barron: Covering is one of the things I do best. I played safety for four seasons in college. Moving down to linebacker this past year, I was still used to being a cover player on the back end. That’s what we do as defensive backs, we cover in space.
We had a new defense at Syracuse in 2024. I played that “STAR” position, the nickel spot. I played a ton of slot-man as a result. That was my entire offseason. Being able to do that and cover those smaller slot guys, it made it easier for me to play man coverage on tight ends as a linebacker.
JM: That’s fantastic. You probably met with all 32 teams at the Senior Bowl. That's standard practice. Which of those meetings do you best remember? Which teams particularly engaged with you?
Justin Barron: I met with all 32 teams. You can tell which teams have done their research on you. The meetings with the Eagles, Cowboys, Ravens, Jets, 49ers, and Steelers, those meetings really stuck out to me. They had a lot of good questions for me, and I felt a connection with those teams.
Only one team can draft me (laughs). I’m looking forward to the rest of the pre-draft process. I’m very thankful.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. In closing, what kinda impact is Justin Barron going to make at the next level?
Justin Barron: It’s really simple. I’m someone who has nearly 1,000 snaps on special teams. I can come in and play special teams immediately. I can also impact the game on defense. I’m going to add versatility by playing multiple roles. I’m smart enough to do that.
I’m going to adapt to the defensive scheme. I want to be a plug-and-play guy who learns the entire defense. I want to play in different defensive packages and be a game-changer.
You’re going to get a consistent guy. I want to come in and help the team win championships.
