Lander Barton

NFL Draft Profile: Lander Barton

Position: Linebacker / Flex-TE | School: Utah | Class: Senior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 236 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Coverage / Run Stopper)

College Career Summary

Lander Barton is the latest elite product from the "Barton Dynasty" at Utah, following brothers Cody (NFL) and Jackson (NFL). After a breakout 2022 where he was named the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, Barton's trajectory was momentarily slowed by a season-ending leg injury in 2023. He returned in 2024 to lead the Utes in tackles, setting the stage for a unique 2025 campaign. In his senior year, Utah utilized his rare athleticism by playing him both as a starting MIKE linebacker and a situational tight end. Barton finished 2025 as a First-Team All-Big 12 selection, proving that his 6'4" frame and "oily" hips make him one of the most versatile defensive prospects in years—a true "unicorn" who can stonewall a 240-lb back and catch a red-zone touchdown on the same drive.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 48

• Total Tackles: 235+ (51+ in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 16.5 (3.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 8.0 (1.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 5 (1 in 2025)

• Pass Deflections: 8 (1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ UCLA	7 Tkl	B+	Clean tackling; shut down the perimeter run game.
vs. Cal Poly	1 Tkl	B	Limited defensive snaps; played mostly at TE.
@ Wyoming	4 Tkl, 1 QBH	B+	Relentless Pursuit; showcased high motor.
vs. Texas Tech	3 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B-	Worst Game. Struggled with misdirection early.
@ West Virginia	8 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	A-	Dominant in the box; physically overmatched the OL.
vs. Arizona St.	6 Tkl	B	High IQ on display; erased screen plays.
@ BYU	4 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Targeted in coverage but won the crucial 3rd down rep.
vs. Colorado	5 Tkl, 1 TD (Rec)	A	Two-way star; scored a goal-line TD as a Tight End.
vs. Cincinnati	5 Tkl	A-	Wall of a Run Stopper; zero missed tackles.
@ Baylor	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Best pass-rush tape; converted speed-to-power.
vs. Kansas St.	5 Tkl, 1 INT	A+	Season Best. Game-changing INT; elite coverage drop.
@ Kansas	4 Tkl, 1 QBH	A-	Closed the season with consistent gap discipline.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Coverage Length: Barton is a nightmare for QBs in the middle of the field. His 6'4" frame and long arms allow him to disrupt passing lanes that smaller LBs can't reach.

• Pro Pedigree/IQ: He is a "Green Dot" ready player. His Play Recognition is top-tier, likely a result of his NFL bloodlines and multi-sport background (Basketball/RB/LB).

• Tackling Efficiency: He rarely misses. His 6% missed tackle rate is among the best in the class, utilizing a "surround and squeeze" Technique.

• Lateral Agility: For his height, his ability to "scrape and flow" across the formation is exceptional. He doesn't have the "lumbering" gait often seen in taller backers.

Weaknesses

• Functional Bulk: While 236-240 lbs is solid, his height makes him appear "lean." Powerful NFL guards can displace him vertically if they get into his chest.

• Aggressive Over-Pursuit: He sometimes trusts his speed too much, taking shallow angles that lead to cutback lanes for savvy runners.

• Injury History Check: Teams will double-check the 2023 leg injury. While he played full seasons in '24 and '25, long-term Durability is a slight concern.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-3 or a SAM in a 3-4 who can drop into coverage.

NFL Comparison: Jack Campbell (Lions) / Leighton Vander Esch

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 92/100

Lander Barton is the "safe" bet of the 2026 class. He offers the floor of a multi-year starter and the ceiling of a Pro Bowl leader. His transition to playing Tight End in 2025 actually helped his draft stock, proving his Athleticism and "ball skills" are elite for the linebacker position. While he may lack the "twitchy" explosiveness of a player like Harold Perkins, his consistency, length, and football intelligence make him a Day 2 lock with Day 1 upside.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Pick 35–50)