2014 NFL Draft Analysis: Minnesota Vikings Draft Anthony Barr No. 9 Overall

 At No. 9 overall the Minnesota Vikings have selected UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr

Pros:
- Great pass rusher
- Elite speed
- Ideal size and build
- Instinctive
- Good closing speed
- Got better every year of college and could continue to grow

Cons:
- Raw
- Limited arsenal of pass rush moves
- Limited in run defense
- Can’t play 4-3
- Bang or Bust
- Minnesota has other needs

Analysis: This is a surprise as many believed Barr would tumble down the draft board because he has no middle ground. This player will be a huge success in Minnesota or he will be a player that will have many scratching their heads for years to come. I am a believer in Barr and love the comparison to Jason Taylor, but he has room to grow. If the Vikings were going to reach on some defensive talent I would have preferred they picked a player like Aaron Donald, but the pick is a great success nonetheless.

Barr has some great veteran leadership to look to as he starts his NFL career, but the question marks still remain. He is sometimes 'allergic' to contact and can avoid contact at times. Those are things you don't want to hear from a linebacker.

Grade: B
Barr is a gamble at No. 9 but if he pans out he can be the next great defender in Minnesota. The risk for No. 9 is a little much for me.

Other Picks:

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles
4. Buffalo Bills: Sammy Watkins
5. Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans
 8. Cleveland Browns: Justin Gilbert

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