Kevan Barlow

[Bently 0]

I was doing some looking around, and found some interesting info on Barlow. In his first 3 seasons (while sharing time) he averaged 4.1, 4.7, and 5.1 ypc, respectively - a steady increase as his experience progressed.

In his last 2 seasons as the featured back, he averaged 3.3 and 3.4 ypc respectively. His touchdowns over his 5 year NFL career have never peaked above 7, which is not inspiring.

Currently their starting offensive line looks like this:

RT Kwame Harris

RG David Baas

C Jeremy Newberry

LG Justin Smiley/ Eric Heitmann (and the addition of Larry Allen gives flexibility along the line)

LT Jonas Jennings

 

On paper, that looks like a decent line, one capable of at least producing a consistent rusher. Given the injuries to the key members of that line (Newberry and Jennings) this past season, the team's overall offensive production took a serious blow - just ask Alex Smith what is felt like being on his ass all the time.

With those two players back, and a strong vet in Larry Allen, there is no doubting the improvement that will be seen from that unit.

Now I am not a Barlow owner, but when you looks at his competition, it is virtually nil. Frank Gore has some skills, but his durability is a major concern. Even if Gore did steal a few carries, that is when Barlow is at his best - in a shared role. The problem over the past few years was not Barlow's talent level, but the lack of any supporting cast. I am not going to sit here and say that no back can succeed with 8 men in the box on every play, but ca'mon, Barlow is no LT or LJ. When a team puts the load on one man's shoulders who is not of freakish ability, he is bound to be shut down. No way would I take barlow in the first 5 rounds, but in the 6th or 7th as a no.3 it might pay off with the offseason moves they have made. Over the past 3 years he has also had over 30 recepts, a number which may improve as Smith finds his niche in SF. i know it has been said for the past few seasons, but Barlow is a sleeper IMO.

[jocstrap 8]

I just don't think he will be around in the 6th round in a 12 team redraft. He would be an excellent pick up for your third back. Would you be willing to take him in the 5th round is more like the question. We'll have to see where the 12 team mocks have him going. 7 td's is nice for a #3 if you think he will reach that many.

[What is the deal? 1]

Barlow's lack of production has more to do with TO and Garcia not being around anymore than it does w/ Barlow.

 

It all depends on how the Alex Smith- Bryant, Battle, and V. Davis connection develops this year.

 

FYI, I got him at 9.3 in a dynasty.

[Force of Two 0]

Been Burned one too many times by Barlow to ever let that poison near my squad again

[Montana_god 0]

I was doing some looking around, and found some interesting info on Barlow. In his first 3 seasons (while sharing time) he averaged 4.1, 4.7, and 5.1 ypc, respectively - a steady increase as his experience progressed.

In his last 2 seasons as the featured back, he averaged 3.3 and 3.4 ypc respectively. His touchdowns over his 5 year NFL career have never peaked above 7, which is not inspiring.

Currently their starting offensive line looks like this:

RT Kwame Harris

RG David Baas

C Jeremy Newberry

LG Justin Smiley/ Eric Heitmann (and the addition of Larry Allen gives flexibility along the line)

LT Jonas Jennings

 

On paper, that looks like a decent line, one capable of at least producing a consistent rusher. Given the injuries to the key members of that line (Newberry and Jennings) this past season, the team's overall offensive production took a serious blow - just ask Alex Smith what is felt like being on his ass all the time.

With those two players back, and a strong vet in Larry Allen, there is no doubting the improvement that will be seen from that unit.

Now I am not a Barlow owner, but when you looks at his competition, it is virtually nil. Frank Gore has some skills, but his durability is a major concern. Even if Gore did steal a few carries, that is when Barlow is at his best - in a shared role. The problem over the past few years was not Barlow's talent level, but the lack of any supporting cast. I am not going to sit here and say that no back can succeed with 8 men in the box on every play, but ca'mon, Barlow is no LT or LJ. When a team puts the load on one man's shoulders who is not of freakish ability, he is bound to be shut down. No way would I take barlow in the first 5 rounds, but in the 6th or 7th as a no.3 it might pay off with the offseason moves they have made. Over the past 3 years he has also had over 30 recepts, a number which may improve as Smith finds his niche in SF. i know it has been said for the past few seasons, but Barlow is a sleeper IMO.

 

Though I still think Gore will steal his job in preseason - but should he hold on - he will have a good season - as a long time niner fan I beleive that Barlow just needs someone to push him for the job - He worked his a** off to steal carries from Hearst and will have to the the same with Gore and don't forget Hicks at his heals -

 

Whoever is the starter will have a good season IMO.

[football_scooter 0]

Until we know how they intend on using Barlow & Gore, it's unpossible to say at this time what his value will be. It's pretty dicey.

 

IF Barlow is the feature back, which as a Niner fan I believe he should be, behind that revamped line and with a superior corps of receiving talent (including VDavis) then Barlow could certainly return to low 2nd, high 3rd tier RB status - Reuben Droughns-esque, with potentially more TDs.

 

IF he is the 3rd down receiving back, then he's a slightly more built Chris Perry.

 

A lot will depend on how Alex Smith progresses and how Nolan decides to use him.

 

I think he'll be taken between late 5th and early 8th round, and could be anything from a bargain to a dead weight pick.

 

Time will tell. Hopefully they'll get it straightened out by training camp, because in the PPR/Flex league I'm in (WCOFF) if Barlow gets 15-20 touches and 3-5 receptions a game, he's worth drafting.