Kansas State Football: Alex Barnes could make splash with Titans
Kansas State football had two players selected in last weekend’s draft, but unfortunately, Alex Barnes didn’t hear his name called. The Tennessee Titans signed him as a UDFA and Barnes could do well in Nashville.
It was surprising when Kansas State football running back Alex Barnes went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. Here was a guy who rushed for 1,355 yards last season to go along with 12 touchdowns and went for over 100 yards in seven games in 2018. In other words, Barnes at times carried the KSU offense and him not landing with an NFL team during the actual draft was a bit odd.
Most will remember Barnes for his efforts against the Baylor Bears last season. He absolutely gashed the Bears on the ground to the tune of 250 yards and three touchdowns. While that’s not the most realistic thing to do in the NFL, it’s still impressive nonetheless.
The Titans will likely roll with Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry as their two main running backs, but Barnes has a strong chance to win the RB3 job this summer.
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Mike B. Herndon of Music City Miracles agreed with my sentiments and spoke quite highly of Barnes and what he could bring to the Titans,
"His physicality and strength will lend itself to special teams and make him a nearly ideal backup running back with upside to become more. He’s definitely a player to watch in camp and in preseason action."
Barnes not getting drafted was surprising, but the running back position isn’t what it used to be in the NFL. Teams can find gems at the position without having to spend a draft pick on a running back. Phillip Lindsay of the Denver Broncos proved that last year, going undrafted and tearing it up as a rookie.
While Barnes probably doesn’t have THAT kind of success in year one, him making the Titans’ roster isn’t out of the question at all.
The other running backs listed on Tennessee’s roster are Dalyn Dawkins, David Fluellen, and Jeremy McNichols. Barnes could certainly beat out these guys assuming he has a solid summer and can show off his skills in the preseason.
Next. All-Time Leaders in Rushing Yards for Kansas State Football. dark
Alex Barnes didn’t get drafted, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get a fair shot in the pros. He’s talented and carried the K-State offense in 2018, as their quarterback play wasn’t all that great.
The Titans found a good one in Barnes and hopefully he has an opportunity to make the team and stay in the league for several years, if not longer.