Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, Quinton Barrow could make a very familiar journey. Following the footsteps of Terron Armstead, Barrow is a name that needs more love as the 2022 regular season is winding down.
Quinton Barrow Doesn’t Get Enough National Attention
Several weeks ago, I recounted the pre-draft journey of Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead. It was a journey that began at the 2013 Shrine Bowl and ended with the small-school blocker being selected in the third round of the draft that year.
Ten years later, another small-school offensive lineman has the opportunity to begin his predraft journey at the Shrine Bowl. This offensive tackle is known throughout the scouting world and now has the same opportunity as Armstead to show off his skill.
Quinton Barrow is a name that does not get much mention outside the scouting community, which is a shame. The big left tackle made an immediate impact when he stepped on the field for Grand Valley State back in 2019, and he has started every game for the Lakers since then, winning All-Conference honors each season.
Depending on how deep into the Division II playoffs the 11-0 Lakers go, Barrow could finish his college career with 40 starts in three seasons. An outrageous number, especially considering the 2020 season was canceled due to Covid.
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Grand Valley State is one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, averaging just under 41 points and 470 total yards every Saturday. And Barrow has more than held up his end as a run blocker and pass protector.
Barrow has next-level size at 6’5.5″ and over 330 pounds with long arms. He sets up quickly off the snap, gets his hands into defenders, and easily rides opponents from the action. The big man works to bend his knees, blocks with leverage, and plays big football. He’s strong at the point, controls opponents, and drives them off the line to open up running lanes.
Barrow displays excellent awareness and blocking vision, and he’s always looking for someone to hit. He’s a nasty offensive tackle who works to finish off blocks and bury opponents. Yet while possessing a mean streak, Barrow is also patient, stays with assignments, and makes great use of blocking angles, especially in pass protection.
He’s a big-bodied dude who isn’t really nimble or light-footed. In other words, I see him as a better fit in a power gap scheme rather than a zone-blocking system.
Where does Barrow end up in the draft? While most scouts I’ve spoken with project him as a very late-round pick, I grade Barrow a frame earlier in the sixth round.
Then again, the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas means Barrow can prove everyone is underrating his game and next-level potential, just as Armstead did a decade ago.
