Mark Barron has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL

[CGI_Ram]

http://theramswire.usatoday.com/201...run-stopping-linebacker-in-the-nfl-right-now/

Mark Barron has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL

Just five years ago, Mark Barron was a rookie safety out of Alabama’s powerhouse defense who’d been taken seventh overall in the draft but was floundering in Tampa Bay. Now, as an inside linebacker on Wade Phillips revamped Rams defense, he’s proving himself worthy of that top ten draft pick.

Back in May, Pro Football Focus already had their eyes on Barron as a leader in defensive stops among all NFL linebackers, as he’d recorded more than all but two linebackers since Week 5 of the 2015 season.


View: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/864046717829861377


However with Phillips playing him as a more traditional inside linebacker – he’s actually stepped up as a run stopper in addition to his exceptional abilities in pass coverage. Barron is the league’s second most efficient run-stopping linebacker through Week 7.


View: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/924331729267159046


The crazy part is, he’s still one of the best linebackers in coverage in the NFL as well. He already has two interceptions, his career-best for a season, and the Rams have only played seven games.

Barron’s overall PFF player grade of 83.7 makes him the 7th highest-graded linebacker on the season thus far. After two pretty good seasons on Jeff Fisher’s talented yet underachieving defense, he’s having the best year of his NFL career thus far – and as the defense continues to jell in Phillips’ system, it’s fair to expect that he’ll only continue to get better.

 

[Dxmissile]

One thing fisher and GW did was get things right on defense. Can’t believe people wanted Barron gone he is definitely worth the contract he signed

 

[DaveFan'51]

http://theramswire.usatoday.com/201...run-stopping-linebacker-in-the-nfl-right-now/

Mark Barron has become one of the best linebackers in the NFL

Just five years ago, Mark Barron was a rookie safety out of Alabama’s powerhouse defense who’d been taken seventh overall in the draft but was floundering in Tampa Bay. Now, as an inside linebacker on Wade Phillips revamped Rams defense, he’s proving himself worthy of that top ten draft pick.

Back in May, Pro Football Focus already had their eyes on Barron as a leader in defensive stops among all NFL linebackers, as he’d recorded more than all but two linebackers since Week 5 of the 2015 season.


View: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/864046717829861377


However with Phillips playing him as a more traditional inside linebacker – he’s actually stepped up as a run stopper in addition to his exceptional abilities in pass coverage. Barron is the league’s second most efficient run-stopping linebacker through Week 7.


View: https://twitter.com/PFF/status/924331729267159046


The crazy part is, he’s still one of the best linebackers in coverage in the NFL as well. He already has two interceptions, his career-best for a season, and the Rams have only played seven games.

Barron’s overall PFF player grade of 83.7 makes him the 7th highest-graded linebacker on the season thus far. After two pretty good seasons on Jeff Fisher’s talented yet underachieving defense, he’s having the best year of his NFL career thus far – and as the defense continues to jell in Phillips’ system, it’s fair to expect that he’ll only continue to get better.

 

[bubbaramfan]

The Team of Barron and Ogletree is the best ILB tandem in the league. Add to that the Rams have one of the best DL with Brockers, Donald and Smart, Walker.

 

[BonifayRam]

After the last few years of some NOW questionable (high salary'd) new Ram contract signings ....Tavon Austin, Trumaine Johnson, Rob Quinn the unclear elements & concerns are beginning to settle down.

Back on March 9, 2016, Exterior WLB'er now an interior weak side LB'er Mark Barron signed a 5 year, $45 million contract. Barron received $15 million in full guarantees which includes a $5 million signing bonus and his 2016 base salary and 2017 roster bonus. Another $5 million is guaranteed for injury and will become fully guaranteed Mark earned 11 mil this season & will earn 10 mil in 2018.

Mark Barron has been a Ram since this time back in 2014 he has played & started @ both safety posts, ended one game @ CB then morphed into a rover hybrid SS-OLB'er, then into a 2 LB'er set on the weak side of the field @ LB'er in 2016 all in an UN- standard 43 Defense & now an Inside LB in our new Wade 34 "D".

After Barron's contract the Rams moved on starting NT now a LDE Michael Brockers :bow:signed three year extension worth $33.25 million with the Rams. $18.146 million is fully guaranteed upon signing, including a $3 million signing bonus, his 2016 base salary, and his 2017 roster bonus.MB will earn 11 mil this season & in 2018.

On September 9, 2017 top reserve DL'er Ethan Westbrooks signed a two year, $3 million contract.

On October 12, 2017. Interior SS LB'er Alec Ogletree signed a four year, $42 million contract extension.Tree received an $8 million signing bonus and $18.9 million guaranteed at signing. In 2018 and 2019 there are offseason roster bonuses of $7 and $6 million respectively, that are guaranteed for injury. Tree will earn over 11 million next season.

All of the above defensive players are doing very well & getting better after each game. If this defense can remain healthy there is no telling how great this Defense can be. The Sports talking heads :blah:will be forced to shut up about the alleged best D in the NFC west Seattle Sehawks or add more growth to their current very large nose's.

The upcoming big questions on the next big contracts will revolve around DT Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner & Nickell Robey-Coleman.

 

[Rams43]

I am guilty of underestimating Mark Barron.

I freely admit it.

And I’m Damned happy to have been wrong. Lol.

 

[OldSchool]

I just wanted to see what Wade would do with him. It's not all been roses and sunshine but those 2 are doing good now at ILB.

 

[BonifayRam]

I am guilty of underestimating Mark Barron.

I freely admit it.

And I’m Damned happy to have been wrong. Lol.

I have posted on this several times lately ....I do not believe that Wade has ever had two interior LB'ers like Alec & Mark. He may have had to rethink how to mix/blend these two super athletic interior LB'ers into his brilliant defensive mind. It's highly probably....... still evolving thing.......I just can not wait till its really arrives.

 

[Corbin]

Let's create another mock for trading one of the leagues best Linebacker's again! YEEAAHHH!
He doesn't fit our defense.

GW will give 3 years of 1st round picks for him!

 

[Zodi]

I have posted on this several times lately ....I do not believe that Wade has ever had two interior LB'ers like Alec & Mark. He may have had to rethink how to mix/blend these two super athletic interior LB'ers into his brilliant defensive mind. It's highly probably....... still evolving thing.......I just can not wait till its really arrives.

Blitz! Ogletree has been very effective as a rusher it seems. I believe he's the one who laid the hit on Palmer-- and Barron (or Joyner) got the INT.

 

[BonifayRam]

Blitz! Ogletree has been very effective as a rusher it seems. I believe he's the one who laid the hit on Palmer-- and Barron got the INT.

With Barwin & Longacre crashing in from the outside, the Defensive front 3 with Brockers & Donald with extreme pressure inside & Barron & Ogletree starring right @ the QB looking for a pocket?

Who would have thought that Tree has special QB killing talents?

 

[SteveBrown]

One of the toughest and most instinctual run stoppers of the decade. Also, been waiting for some "numbers" on him. He may be in the pro bowl year if the train keeps pulling.

 

[Mojo Ram]

After two pretty good seasons on Jeff Fisher’s talented yet underachieving defense

Not true. Resume thread...

 

[Mackeyser]

I have posted on this several times lately ....I do not believe that Wade has ever had two interior LB'ers like Alec & Mark. He may have had to rethink how to mix/blend these two super athletic interior LB'ers into his brilliant defensive mind. It's highly probably....... still evolving thing.......I just can not wait till its really arrives.

He kinda had that with Danny Trevathan and... the other guy, I don't remember his name.

That said, I'd take our interior duo over what Denver had.

 

[Merlin]

I underestimated him too. But to be fair he struggled early on and many of us who were concerned with him as a fit were still hoping he would come around, we were just skeptical he could do it.

I will always be glad to be wrong when it benefits the team though. That plate of crow tastes damn good.

 

[Ram65]

Barron and the defense had some trouble early on in the Wade 3-4 defense. They all showed more disciplined to stay in their lanes recently. Barron has benefited from this and now looks solid in the 3-4. Tree has always been a good blitzer. They can still get better.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Some people wanted to blame Goff when he looked bad.

Now some people want to give all the credit TO Goff.

Just like with Barron....DO NOT underestimate the coacheing and playing in YOUR correct scheme.

This turn around has MORE to do with the Coaches than players. I'll go 60/40.

 

[SteezyEndo]

I believe it was myself and @Dxmissile who always showed support to Barron. I always knew he would flourish under a Wade D. I am glad he is getting the props he deserves. He is only going to get better.

 

[blackbart]

He may have some stats but I still see plays every week where he guesses and is badly out of position.

I still think he is a tweener and out of position but they are making due with the personnel they have. I would prefer to see him playing the same role Cam Chancelor plays and a real beast of an ILB inside with Ogletree.

 

[jrry32]

Barron has gotten better as the season has gone, but PFF's grades aren't indicative of his performance because they don't consider scheme while grading players. Barron still needs to work on his consistency when it comes to reading keys.