NFL.com: Examining Eight Rookie Deals

[Ralphie]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...y-dee-ford
LET THEM WALK
Anthony Barr, LB, Minnesota Vikings:
Yes, Barr has been a Pro Bowler for three consecutive seasons. But when a hamstring injury sidelined Barr from Week 8 to Week 11, his absence was hardly noticeable, a reflection of just how far the former first-round pick has fallen from his status as a difference-making linebacker. He's recorded five-plus tackles in just three games thus far and is on pace to finish the season with 49, 22 below his per-year average coming into this season. His shortcomings in coverage were exposed in the Week 4 loss to the Rams. Barr was the nearest defender on five pass plays, according to Next Gen Stats -- and L.A. scored touchdowns on three of those plays, including the Rams' first score of the game, when Todd Gurley slipped behind Barr in the end zone. I wouldn't use the franchise tag on him, given the lofty going rate for linebackers. And based on Minnesota's inability to get Barr signed last offseason, it would appear he values his services more than the Vikings do.

[Guest]

@Ralphie said:
But when a hamstring injury sidelined Barr from Week 8 to Week 11, his absence was hardly noticeable, a reflection of just how far the former first-round pick has fallen from his status as a difference-making linebacker. 

I think this is a slight exaggeration, but this is the bottom line, and it's what many of us have been saying for about a year now. He's a helluva talent--a prototype SAM or 34 OLB. But it's like fantasy. What's his VOR? What's his Value Over Replacement? I don't think it's that high given his role in the defense. I don't think we lose much when we put in Eric Wilson. I don't think we'd lose much if we replaced him with a 1st or 2nd round draft pick. Certainly not as much as losing a Hunter or a Waynes or a Rhodes. Even Kendricks' VOR is probably higher. And then when you consider the money he's going to command? It doesn't sync up. I would be shocked if he's in purple next year.