The Baylor Bears have been a complete rollercoaster ride over the last seven years, producing two or fewer wins twice and 11 or more wins twice in that span. 2022 was a down year with a 6-7 finish, but the program is hoping for another upswing. We’re diving into their 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
Baylor Bears Roster and Depth Chart Changes
Starting the season ranked 10th overall in head coach Dave Aranda’s third season, the Bears quickly figured out the 2022 season wasn’t going to be as magical as the year prior. Despite coming off a Sugar Bowl win, the Bears’ defense completely collapsed, falling from 10th in scoring to 69th. Losing four defenders to the 2022 NFL Draft crushed the unit.
Aranda didn’t waste time in bolstering his roster for this fall. He added four transfers who are likely to start on offense alone. That includes left tackle Campbell Barrington and his brother, center Clark Barrington.
The defense also added four transfers who could start and another two depth pieces. In total, the Bears won’t be as reliant on first and second-year starters who were playing because of injuries.
Baylor doesn’t have many notable NFL prospects, but they have a few who can develop into impactful difference-makers in 2023.
Baylor NFL Draft Prospects
Clark Barrington, IOL
Transferring from BYU after a stellar career at left guard, Barrington is moving to center this fall. The 6’6″, 305-pounder is massive as an interior lineman, standing out as an impact pass blocker who anchors well and maximizes his length effectively. Barrington only allowed two sacks in four seasons at BYU.
Moving to center will be a tougher experience for Barrington because he’s just so big. It’s uncommon for someone of his stature to be the middleman. Barrington isn’t overly quick or athletic in space, making him an unlikely candidate to pull on runs or be effective in landmarking upfield.
Barrington should be viewed as a potential Day 3 guard prospect entering the year.
Gabe Hall, DT
Playing as a cog in the Bears’ 3-4 defensive wheel, Gabe Hall executes his role as well as the team could ask. He’s often playing as a big end in a 3-4 who looks to eat blocks, meaning he’s not producing or flashing athleticism that makes him stand out. However, he had more impactful moments when he slid inside against guards as a 4-3 tackle.
Hall doesn’t have the speed or flexibility to ever be a good pass rusher. But his energy and hustle levels are excellent, and he’s strong enough to be a rotational run defender at the next level. That should equal Day 3 grades.
Garmon Randolph, EDGE
A physical specimen at 6’7″ and 265 pounds, Garmon Randolph is hard to miss on the field. Randolph is used in an unusual way for someone his size, often dropping back into coverage as a standup edge defender. He’s fluid and coordinated despite being so big, allowing him to fill zone holes.
For as encouraging as Randolph is in space, he’s a raw pass rusher who has physical limitations through contact. His play strength is a weakness, getting pushed back by blockers and having his tackles shed by ball carriers far too often. Randolph would be better served bulking up and becoming more of a power rusher who can combine his strength and length to be a nightmare for blockers.
He’s a potential Day 3 pick.
Baylor Bears Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: vs. Texas State Bobcats - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Utah Utes - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. LIU Sharks - Week 5
Sept. 23: vs. Texas Longhorns - Week 6
Sept. 30: at UCF Knights - Week 7
Oct 7: vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Week 8
BYE - Week 9
Oct. 21: at Cincinnati Bearcats - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. Iowa State Cyclones - Week 11
Nov. 4: vs. Houston Cougars - Week 12
Nov. 11: at Kansas State Wildcats - Week 13
Nov. 18: at TCU Horned Frogs - Week 14
Nov. 25: vs. West Virginia Mountaineers - Week 15
BYE
