Dallas Cowboys 2025 UDFA scouting report: LB Justin Barron

We continue looking into this year’s undrafted free agent signings made by the Dallas Cowboys and give you our scouting report on each player. Today we are looking at linebacker Justin Barron from Syracuse.

LB
Syracuse Orange
Senior
3-star recruit
6’4”
226 lbs

Photo by Todd F. Michalek/Syracuse Athletics/University Images via Getty Images

History
Justin Barron, born on October 25, 2001, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. At Suffield Academy, Barron was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. He led his football team to a perfect 9-0 record and a championship in his senior year. He played college football at Syracuse University from 2020 to 2024, where he showcased remarkable versatility by transitioning from wide receiver to defensive back and eventually to linebacker. Barron’s adaptability and leadership earned him two-time team captain honors and recognition as a two-time Walter Camp Connecticut Player of the Year.

Barron began his collegiate career at Syracuse as a wide receiver but primarily contributed on special teams during his freshman year. Midway through the season, he transitioned to defensive back to bolster the team’s depth. He appeared in all 11 games, recording a season-high three tackles against Notre Dame.

In his sophomore season, Barron solidified his role as a defensive back, starting the final nine games at the “rover” position. He played in all 12 games, amassing 42 tackles, including one tackle for loss, and three pass breakups. His performance earned him the Ted Dailey Award, recognizing his contributions to the team.

Barron continued to excel in his junior year, starting all 13 games at rover. He recorded 64 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery.

In his fourth year playing for the Orange, Barron recorded 90 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Notably, he played the majority of the season with a broken hand, demonstrating resilience and commitment to the team. He was the team’s holder on special teams, but after his broken hand he was removed from duty.

In his redshirt senior season, Barron showcased his versatility by transitioning to linebacker for the final 13 games. He concluded the season with 93 tackles, contributing significantly to Syracuse’s 10-3 record. His outstanding performance earned him the Walter Camp Connecticut Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.

Barron comes from an athletic family. His father, Jason, played football at UConn, and his mother, Sara, played soccer at Hartwick College.

2024 Statistics
723 Defensive Snaps
93 Total Tackles
9 Tackles For Loss
22 Missed Tackles
42 Defensive Stops
12 Total Pressures
2 Sacks
1 INT
3 Pass Breakups
1 Fumble Recovery
7 Penalties

NFL Combine/Pro Day
10-Yard Split- 1.65s (76%)
40-Yard Dash- 4.68s (42%)
Vert- 34” (53%)
Broad- 120” (64%)
Shuttle- 4.38s (42%)
3C- 6.98s (78%)

Awards
N/A

Scorecard
Speed- 60
Acceleration- 77
Agility- 71
Strength- 61
Tackling- 62
Pass Rush- 64
Run Defense- 71
Coverage- 70
Discipline- 84

THE GOOD

Barron’s ability to play wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker demonstrates his adaptability and comprehensive understanding of the game.
Position versatility is his most appealing attribute.
His experience across multiple positions provides him with unique insights into offensive and defensive schemes.
His play recognition and decision-making are outstanding.
Barron exhibits strong leadership qualities.
Had the speed and explosiveness to cover running backs and tight ends on short routes.
Great effort when chasing in pursuit.
Barron’s willingness to contribute on special teams is a huge plus in the NFL.

THE BAD

Improving his pass-rushing moves and timing could increase his impact as a defender.
Refining his coverage technique and consistency will enhance his effectiveness when covering the middle of the field.
Will stare down the quarterback for way too long.
A lot of missed tackles on tape.
No power when taking on blocks.
Needs more time to master the nuances of the linebacker position.
Can over-pursue the ball carrier in open field play.

THE FIT
Barron’s most notable strength is his rare versatility having played wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker. He brings a deep, all-around understanding of the game. This background helps him diagnose plays quickly and react instinctively, particularly in zone coverage and run support. His size, range, and physicality make him an effective defender, especially in space. He’s a high-effort player with strong leadership qualities. His willingness to contribute on special teams and play through injury reflects toughness and a team-first mentality.

While Barron’s versatility is a major asset, his lack of long-term specialization at one position shows up in certain areas, particularly in man coverage where he can struggle against shiftier, faster targets. His transitions and footwork in coverage need refinement, and he’ll need to improve his ability to anticipate routes and stay disciplined with his eyes. As a pass rusher, he flashes some potential but lacks polished technique and timing to consistently threaten quarterbacks. At the next level, he’ll benefit from focusing on mastering the linebacker role, developing more consistent angles and block-shedding ability to maximize his value on defense.

Barron fits the Dallas Cowboys as a developmental, hybrid linebacker with intriguing upside and special teams value. Dallas has shown a growing interest in versatile defenders who can play in space and contribute across multiple phases, traits Barron brings thanks to his experience at safety and linebacker.

Early on, Barron projects as a practice squad player with a chance to become a special teams contributor, as well as the potential to backup at weakside linebacker or dime packages. His roster forecast likely places him as a competitor for a practice squad role, with the chance to stick if he flashes on special teams and shows growth at linebacker during the preseason.

COMPARISON:
Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons

BTB GRADE:
357th

CONSENSUS RANKING:
365th
(Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services, including BTB)