2014 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Select Lamin Barrow, LB, LSU

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Lamin Barrow (18) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the 156th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have selected LSU linebacker Lamin Barrow.

This selection was acquired in a trade down with the Chicago Bears, and the Broncos felt like obviously they could move down and still get their guy. Here they did.

Barrow is a 6’1″ 237 pound linebacker who can play inside, weakside, and on special teams. He ran a 4.59 second 40 yard dash at the Scouting Combine and has really impressive athletic ability to go along with being the leading tackler on one of the best defenses in college football.

We knew Denver was going to target a linebacker at some point on day three of the draft, and they managed to move down the board and acquire an additional pick in next year’s draft along the way to get this guy.

Finished his senior season with 91 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Here is my pre-season report on Barrow:

Barrow may be an even better LB prospect coming out than Kevin Minter was last year as a junior, and he was picked by the Cardinals in the 2nd round. Barrow isn’t nearly as polished, but he is a heck of an athlete who put together an excellent junior season. He finished the 2012 season with 104 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, five passes broken up, and a forced fumble. This guy makes plays all over the field and has great speed and pursuit. He never seems to give up on a play. Barrow is a very athletic linebacker who has good size for the WILL LB position at the next level, and appears to have the ideal skill set as well.

He has a good frame and while he’s not the prettiest tackler, he finds a way to get guys on the ground. Needs to do a better job of wrapping up ball carriers consistently, and can occasionally take too many gambles. As athletic as he is, it’s not a surprise to see him take a lot of chances on big hits. I think he is a solid day two prospect heading into his senior season with a chance to up his stock even further.