HEIGHT: 6'6"

WEIGHT: 251

HAND: 9"

ARM: 33⅜"

WINGSPAN: 81⅞"

40-YARD DASH: N/A

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: N/A

BROAD: N/A

POSITIVES

— Good size and length for the position. Can comfortably play as an in-line tight end.

— Adequate speed. Long, easy strider who flashes ability to separate across the field.

— Above-average ability to play above the rim.

— Good play strength both as a receiver and blocker.

— Very good run blocker. Holds up well in-line. Shows good, repeatable technique on all types of blocks.

NEGATIVES

— Not a particularly loose or explosive player. Doesn't lumber around, but not a scary athlete either.

— Raw route-runner right now. Ability to sink hips and snap off routes is lacking.

— Could stand to show more pop and leg drive as a blocker. Always does his job, but isn't always a people mover.

2023 STATISTICS

— 15 G, 22 REC, 249 YDS (11.3 AVG), 1 TD

NOTES

— Born May 3, 2002

— 3-star recruit in Indiana's 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Transferred from Indiana to Michigan in 2023

— 18 career starts (nine at Indiana, nine at Michigan)

OVERALL

AJ Barner is a desirable blocking tight end with the tools to blossom into a useful pass-catcher in the NFL.

Barner primarily served in a TE2 role as a blocking tight end at Michigan. At 6'6" and 251 pounds, he has a good frame to play on the ball and the strength to perform well in the run game. Barner takes good angles on blocks and fights like hell to stick on defenders until the whistle.

Though he was primarily used in-line at Michigan, Barner has the movement skills to move across the formation and be a lead blocker. He knows how to find targets in space and has the strength to stonewall them consistently. Though he isn't a true road-grader, Barner is consistent as a blocker and carries himself well in pass protection.

As a receiver, Barner isn't flashy. There are moments where he can separate as a pure strider for a guy his size, but there isn't much pop or smooth change of direction to his game. Barner wins more as a guy who can go above the rim and box defenders out of a chance at the ball.

Barner's route-running is limited at the moment. On routes that require sharp breaks, such as curls and digs, Barner is clunky. He can struggle to sink his hips and snap back out of the route cleanly, which often allows defenders to keep the throwing window closed.

Barner's lack of high-end traits probably means he'll top out as a TE2 in the NFL. With that said, Barner should be an immediate plus as a blocker. Some of what he brings as a strider across the field and ball-winner in the air could be useful right away. Barner will need time to develop himself as a route-runner to take the next step, though.

Barner would fit best in a run-first offense such as Baltimore or Detroit.

GRADE: 6.4 (High-Level Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 131

POSITION RANK: TE6

PRO COMPARISON: Luke Farrell

Written by B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen

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