New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: T.J. Barnes

T.J. Barnes is a 6’7″/364 pound defensive tackle on the New York Jets. He was initially taken as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2013 NFL Draft. He played for the Jaguars in camp before being cut by the team.

The Jets picked Barnes up in October of 2013 and signed him to the practice squad, where he spent the remainder of the season. Barnes appeared in 6 games for the Jets in 2014, and impressed fans and the coaching staff.

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Barnes played his college football at Georgia Tech University. He joined Georgia Tech in 2008 as a true freshman. Through his college career, Barnes produced 75 tackles, 30 of which were solo. Defensively he also provided 8.5 tackles for loss and added 2.5 sacks and 4 pass defenses to his stat sheet.

He earned an invite to the NFL Combine in 2013. While not doing enough to get himself drafted, Barnes displayed some talent at the combine. He posted a 5.30 in the 40-yard dash and put up 25 reps of 225. He added a 22″ vertical jump and a 97″ broad jump to his efforts. The results may have not been enough to get drafted, but Barnes posted some pretty good results for a player his size.

Barnes debuted for the Jets in 2014 and reportedly impressed then head coach Rex Ryan with his abilities. He appeared in just 6 games for the Jets, producing 4 tackles in limited duties.

Barnes’ size makes him an interesting prospect for the Jets, but the front line is a deeply talented group. Todd Bowles and his staff will need to decide where Barnes fits on this new defense. He has plenty of upside as he’s young and possesses the ideal size for an NFL nose tackle.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle T.J. Barnes (99) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

He returns this year hoping he can earn more playing time on the defensive front. With Damon Harrison entrenched at nose tackle, Leonard Williams joining the line and Sheldon Richardson returning for another season, Barnes might have a tough time seeing the field.

Barnes will be in the mix this summer, rest assured, it’s hard to ignore a player of his stature. In my opinion he will make the cut and be a part on the final 53-man roster. He can offer an option for depth along the line in case of injury, as well as providing Harrison with a breather when needed. With any luck he will continue to develop into a run stopper, giving the Jets an option when Harrison’s contract is due.

That’s a look at Barnes as he prepares for training camp. A huge nose tackle who will be competing for a spot this summer. We here at The Jet Press would love to hear your thoughts on Barnes so please leave a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

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