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Todd McShay

Find the most comprehensive analysis on [Player Name], featuring Todd McShay’s evaluations. Official measurables, advanced analytics, and a scout’s eye provide the most in-depth breakdown of a prospect’s strengths and weaknesses, NFL draft projection, and potential at the next level.

Interior Defensive Linemen

Nick Barrett

Grade69 /100
Pos Rank11
OVR Rank103
School
SCAR

Experience

Played51
Started12

POSITION STATS LAST SEASON

Tackles
42
Sacks
2
TFL
6
FF
-
PBU
1
Todd McShay

Position-Specific Grades

COMBINE RESULTS

Height
6' 2 7/8"
Weight
312lbs
Todd McShay
ARM
33 3/8"
HAND
10"
40-Yard Dash
5.11sec
Todd McShay
10-Yard Split
1.71sec
Vertical
31
Broad Jump
9' 0"
20 Shuttle
4.91sec
Todd McShay

The Takeaway

The Player

Barrett is a rugged, high-character interior defender whose value is rooted in run defense, physicality, and dependability. After years in a rotational role, his 2025 breakout showcased a player who can anchor a front and consistently win at the point of attack, even if his pass rush ceiling remains limited.

Against the run, Barrett is highly effective. He fires off the ball with excellent pad level, consistently winning the leverage battle and using strong hands and upper-body power to control blockers. He shows a natural feel for locating the football, shedding blocks, and working into position. His tape reflects a disciplined, assignment-sound defender who plays with urgency and toughness. The main blemish is finishing—his missed tackle rate is higher than you’d like for a player who’s often in the right position.

As a pass rusher, Barrett is limited. He lacks the burst, quickness, and pass rush repertoire to consistently threaten interior offensive linemen, and his production reflects that. There are occasional flashes—particularly when he’s able to generate push or execute a defined move—but he’s largely a non-factor on passing downs and was often subbed out in those situations.

Athletically, he’s solid but not dynamic. His testing numbers reflect adequate movement skills and good strength, highlighted by his bench press performance. Combined with his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership (team captain, team MVP), he brings intangible value to a defensive line room.

The Draft

If the 2025 tape is an indicator of what’s to come in the NFL, Barrett belongs in the top 100 of the 2026 draft class. He’s essentially a bigger version of Rayshaun Benny (Michigan), and profiles as a consistent, high-level run stopper whose technique, leverage, and balance are immediately transferable to the NFL. But unlike Benny, Barrett was just a one-year starter and enters the league with durability concerns after he missed all but five games due to an undisclosed injury in 2024 and wore a large elbow brace in 2025. Round 4 is the floor for Barrett.

The Projection

Barrett projects as an early-down rotational IDL with a clear role as a run-stopping specialist. His leverage, strength, and instincts give him a solid floor, but his limited pass rush ability caps his upside as a situational player rather than a full-time starter. Davon Hamilton (Jaguars) is a reasonable comp for Barrett, as Hamilton has a similar frame as a run-stopping IDL who uses leverage and upper-body power to control gaps, keep linebackers clean, and does his part as a run-stopping finisher.