AJ Barner
Position: TE – Projected: 5th Round
History & Measurables
Born: May 3rd, 2002 – Aurora, OH
High School: Aurora
College: Indiana (2020-2022), Michigan (2023)
Height: 6’6″ Weight: 251 lbs
Traits & Characteristics
The Good
- Jump Ball Ability
- Fluid Runner
- Great Blocking Technique
The Bad
- Lack of Production
- Speedy Defenders can Cause Problems
- Lacks Versatility
Advanced Analytics Notes
2023 Receiving: 20 Target Minimum
- 69.3 PFF Receiving Grade (46th among TEs)
- 5 missed tackles forced (T-29th among TEs)
- 4.9 YAC/REC (T-83rd among TEs)
- 1.20 yards per route run (T-80th among TEs)
- 77.4% Route Participation (T-104th Among TEs)
- 8.2 ADOT (T-48th Among TEs with 20 targets)
- 102.2 Passer Rating when targeted (T-78th Among TEs with 20 targets)
- 15 Receiving 1st Downs (T-49 among TEs with 20 Targets)
2023 Blocking Stats
- 81.4 PFF Run Blocking Grade (4th Among TEs, 1st with at least 100 snaps)
- 350 Run Blocking Snaps (16th Among TEs)
- 62.3 PFF Pass Blocking Grade (T-280th Among TEs)
- 54 Pass Blocking Snaps (T-47th Among TEs)
Film Notes and Highlights
AJ Barner is an interesting watch for me. Injuries caused him to not have much production at Indiana; while at Michigan he was not targeted much as the second tight end. Barner is a traditional tight end in that he lines up on the line for 84% of his snaps in 2023.
Barner has great blocking technique and is able to secure the edge for runs. He stays engaged and is able to get to the second level as a lead blocker. He is a great blocker but quick defenders can cut inside him and disrupt plays. Barner did not have receiving production, but you can see him as a smooth runner and his ability in the red zone on contested catches. You can see glimpses of what he can do in the receiving game and his blocking ability might allow him to get on the field earlier in his career. – Brandon Haye
(Games Watched: vs Penn State 2023, vs Rutgers 2023)
Player Comparison
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Sheldon Hand
Sheldon Hand is an elementary school teacher. He started writing in 2019, and started working with The League Winners in 2021. He has been playing fantasy football for fifteen years, got into dynasty seven years ago and have become a bit obsessed.