Picked ninth, UCLA’s Anthony Barr becomes highest-drafted Bruin since 1996

That late fall was overblown after all.

None of the recent chatter about UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr’s supposed falling stock mattered. The Minnesota Vikings drafted him ninth overall, making him the top Bruin taken since 1996, when Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden went fourth.

“When you draw it up, does he look like Jason Taylor or what?” said NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, comparing Barr to the six-time Pro Bowler. “That’s kind of how he plays.” Continue reading “Picked ninth, UCLA’s Anthony Barr becomes highest-drafted Bruin since 1996” »

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay evaluates Bruins

The notebook that ran in today’s edition of the Daily News covers some of Cassius Marsh’s value as an NFL prospect, whether it be at defensive end, linebacker or even tight end. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay gave the UCLA senior a fourth- or fifth-round draft grade. Here’s what he said about some other Bruins:

Linebacker Anthony Barr

“He’s not as talented as (South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon) Clowney. He’s not as big, and he’s probably just a notch below in terms of the explosive athleticism. But I think Barr is still a very, very talented player who’s only played the defensive side for two years. Who continues to get better and better in terms of his play, how he’s using his hands, how he’s getting off blocks. I think when it’s all said and done, he’s going to wind up being a top-five pick. Continue reading “ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay evaluates Bruins” »

Anthony Barr lands fourth major All-American honor

Anthony Barr’s All-American run keeps rolling on, as the UCLA linebacker picked up a spot on the American Football Coaches Association squad this morning. It was the senior’s fourth placement on an NCAA-recognized team, with the prior three being the Walter Camp, Sporting News and Associated Press.

If Barr also lands on the Football Writers Association of America’s first team later today, he will be the 11th player in UCLA history to earn unanimous All-American honors, and the first since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2005.

UPDATE: Barr was a FWAA second-team All-American, leaving him as a consensus selection overall. There were 10 unanimous All-Americans this season, with the only linebacker being Alabama’s C.J. Mosley.

Anthony Barr makes AP first team, consensus All-American

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team. (File photo by Brad Graverson/Daily Breeze)

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team. (File photo by Brad Graverson/Daily Breeze)

Linebacker Anthony Barr is UCLA’s first consensus All-American since 2009, earning the honor with his inclusion on the Associated Press‘ first team.

The senior also made the Walter Camp and Sporting News All-American teams. The NCAA recognizes five All-American teams, acknowledging the AFCA and FWAA in addition to the aforementioned three lists. Continue reading “Anthony Barr makes AP first team, consensus All-American” »