AJ Barner, TE, Michigan
Size:
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 251 pounds
Arm Length: 33 3/8"
Hand Size: 9”
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten honorable mention (2023) • Mackey Award semifinalist (2023)
“AJ Barner is an untapped flex weapon in space with the competitiveness and technique as a run blocker to, at minimum, serve as a TE2 for an offense.”
Strengths:
Advanced blocker
Awareness vs. zone
Long strides eat up ground
Box-out ability
Receiving upside
Concerns:
Short-area explosiveness
Ceiling as a flex weapon
Film Analysis:
AJ Barner is an advanced run blocker with a truly untapped game in space. Aligned in-line, Barner does an excellent job in striking opponents. Has the technique and power to move outside linebackers and secondary defenders. Advanced technically both with his hand in the dirt and standing up to locate leverage points and drive players away from the football (Penn State). Excellent in pass pro, as well, where Barner can serve as an extension of the offensive line.
Barner’s evaluation in space remains a fluid assignment. Operating within a run-heavy attack at Michigan, opportunities remained limited in space. Also served as TE2 behind Colston Loveland (2025 eligible) for the majority of the 2023 season. Despite limited touches, Barner showcases the athleticism and hands to project as a featured target at the NFL level. Long strides eat up ground but does not have a ton of tape where he’s asked to threaten the secondary on shot plays up the seam. He’s an athletic prospect who does an excellent job of identifying soft spots in zone and will, at worst, be a sticks-mover early in his career. Uses his frame to seal defenders away from his hands when working within tight confines. Should be an immediate contributor inside the 20 as well. Barner’s game could quickly thrive under a creative offensive coordinator.
Overall, Barner is a bit of a ball of clay as a flex weapon, but the athleticism and comfortability in space are apparent. His technique as a run blocker will pave the way for snaps, but a team with a focus on making Barner a part of their aerial attack could prioritize him in the middle rounds come springtime.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Exposures: Michigan State (2023), Penn State (2023)
