Will AJ Barner have a role as a rookie?

AJ Barner: Breakout Candidate or Developmental Project?AJ Barner: Breakout Candidate or Developmental Project? As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the 2024 season under new coach Mike Macdonald, let’s delve into the potential role of fourth-round draft pick AJ Barner. Barner, a highly touted recruit, spent three seasons at Indiana before transferring to Michigan for his senior year. While he lacked significant production in Indiana, he played a crucial role in Michigan’s national championship victory, showcasing his skills as a blocking tight end with pass-catching potential. The Seahawks selected Barner to fulfill a similar role in their offense, complementing starting tight end Noah Fant. With his impressive size (6-6, 251 pounds) and athleticism (RAS score of 8.70), Barner has the physical tools for success. Best Case Scenario: Barner quickly adapts to the NFL game and emerges as a reliable blocking TE2 with occasional pass-catching contributions. He consistently holds blocks in the running game, enabling the Seahawks offense to move the chains. His ability to create space in the red zone provides opportunities for touchdowns. In time, Barner develops into a valuable asset for the Seahawks, similar to former tight end Colby Parkinson. Worst Case Scenario: Despite his physical attributes, Barner struggles to adjust to the NFL level. He fails to hold his blocks effectively, impeding the team’s running game. His pass-catching ability proves limited, and he fails to make a significant impact in that aspect. As a result, Barner finds himself relegated to a backup role or even cut from the team. Prediction: Barner has the potential to be a valuable contributor for the Seahawks, but his development will likely take time. He possesses the size, athleticism, and blocking prowess to be a solid TE2, but needs to refine his technique and gain more experience. Expect Barner to see some playing time in short-yardage situations and as a red-zone threat in 2024. Over the next few years, he has the potential to establish himself as a key piece of the Seahawks offense.

The Seattle Seahawks will open training camp at the VMAC in less than a month, officially kicking off the first season under new coach Mike Macdonald.

In preparation for the upcoming season, we’ll spend the coming weeks detailing each member of the 90-man Seahawks roster, diving into the schedules, examining the best and worst case scenarios, and predicting what to expect from each player participating in the 2024 . campaign.

Will AJ Barner have a role as a rookie for the Seahawks?

Barner was a three-star recruit out of high school in the class of 2020 and committed to Indiana. He spent his first three seasons in Indiana and didn’t see much production despite appearing in 30 games. He transferred to Michigan as a four-star transfer portal recruit for his senior season in 2023, where he helped the Wolverines win the National Championship. He was the secondary option at tight end for the Wolverines, used primarily as a blocker opposite potential 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland. Barner caught 22 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown, including an impressive 11.3 yards per catch as the No. 2 tight end. The Seahawks selected Barner in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft to play a similar role.

As offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has called games in the past, Barner theoretically fits as a blocking TE2 with pass-catching upside. Barner fits that profile perfectly and shows that there can be more beneath the surface.

With tight end depth not set in stone, Barner grabbed him by the horns during training camp and never let go. His size at 6-6 and 251 pounds is excellent for the position and he uses this to his advantage in all phases of the game. He is the key complement to Noah Fant and will emerge as a regular rotation player in 2024.

While Barner has the potential to be the next Colby Parkinson, he’s proven to be too raw and struggles with consistency. Despite playing some of the best competitive games college football has to offer, NFL defensive linemen give him fits in the running game and he can’t hold blocks. Those struggles send him down the depth chart.

Barner is a very intriguing gamble to make at tight end. He has adequate size for the position and more than capable athleticism with a relative athleticism score of 8.70. His limited sample size for the pass-catcher role is one of the main reasons he was available on day three, but the upside is certainly there.

Seahawks fans can expect Barner to be a player who will take time to develop but will be a capable blocker right away. He will see most action in short-yardage and goal-line situations and can be an impactful receiver in the red zone if given the opportunity. Don’t expect much from him right away, but in 2-3 years Barner could easily be a major contributor for the Seahawks.

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