Chicago Bears: Alex Barnes offers dynamic skill set at running back
Draft profile
Alex Barnes presents as a tough, bruising running back who can run through tackles and over defenders. However, he has surprising speed and burst for a player his size. In fact, because those qualities went largely underrated by experts, he did not enter the 2019 NFL Combine with perhaps the same level of fanfare of some of the other running backs.
When he left the Combine, it was a completely different story. He left Indianapolis with a bang and got the attention of every one of the 32 general managers in the NFL.
For starters, the 6-foot, 226 pound back threw up an astonishing 34 repetitions on the bench press. But he demonstrated more than just the power he was previously known for. His 6.95 three-cone drill and 4.1, 20-yard shuttle were remarkable times, especially considering his size. Those times demonstrated he has more than enough explosiveness and agility to be successful at the next level.
Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that the kinesiology major, who has been weightlifting since the sixth-grade would be in remarkable shape — yet some were before the Combine. But now scouts and general managers have the measurables to back up what they’ve seen on tape from Barnes all year — and that is an extremely productive running back who possesses a wide variety of skills.
make that THREE tds for @KStateFB's Alex Barnes. pic.twitter.com/81U2s1Rn9y
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 6, 2018
Speaking of production, Barnes enjoyed a breakout season in 2018, virtually doubling his production from the 2017 season in which he told me he was playing through a nagging ankle injury. However, once that healed, we saw the results in the 2018 campaign in which he rushed for 1,355 yards, 12 touchdowns and hauled in 20 receptions.
He has also very good vision and attacks the hole as soon as it opens. What also stands out when you watch Barnes’ tape is his contact balance. While he has the power to run over defenders, he also has the balance to bounce off a tackle and pick up extra yards.
For the Bears, who don’t make their first pick until the third round, Barnes could be a very attractive option. We spoke with Alex about that possibility.