From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on South Carolina DL Nick Barrett.
N0. 93 Nick Barrett/DL South Carolina – 6027, 312 pounds (Redshirt Senior)
MEASUREMENTS
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Nick Barrett 6027/312 10 33 3/8 N/A
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
5.10 1.71 4.91 N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
9’0″ 31.5 N/A
THE GOOD
– Good length and fills out his frame
– Uses length well to lock out against the run
– Flashes high-level reps against the run
– Can hold the point of attack against drive/base blocks in the run game
– Active hands as a pass rusher to try and disengage, swim, and swipe can beat blockers
– Creates a powerful jolt in his hands on contact
– Okay foot speed, inconsistent, but can beat reach blocks down the line
– Plays with energy when he isn’t tired and is regarded as a team leader
The Bad
– Inconsistent overall tape that runs hot and cold
– Needs more discipline against the run with more consistent get-off, too often washed and moved
– Displaced by double-teams/combo blocks
– Limited pass rusher who struggles to consistently win and is often stuck on blocks
– Lacks bend to the corner and shows lower body tightness
– Plays/runs to the perimeter give him more trouble
– When he tires, tape begins to degrade
– Didn’t always finish chances and left plays on the field
– Effort could be better, and doesn’t chase with fanatical effort
– Just a one-year starter with one season of production
– Light sack numbers
Stats
– Career: 72 tackles (6 TFL), 3 PDs, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR for TD across 51 games (12 starts)
– 2025: 42 tackles (6 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 PD across 12 games (12 starts)
– Career: 956 defensive snaps (731 B-gap, 211 A-gap)
– 2025: 507 defensive snaps (426 B-gap, 70 A-gap)
– Eight missed tackles in 2025 (16.7 percent rate, per PFF)
– 28 run stops in 2025 (tied-12th among interior DL)
– PFF’s No. 32 overall 2025 interior defensive lineman among 176 qualifiers (No. 14 run defense, No. 122 pass rusher)
– 66 tackles, 15 sacks as HS junior
Injury History
– 2024: limited to just five games due to various and undisclosed injuries and used redshirt (one report indicated it was “voluntary” for a bigger 2025 role, but was listed on the injury report in multiple games)
Bio
– Turns 23 in July 2026
– Three-star recruit from Goldsboro, North Carolina
– Chose South Carolina over Duke, Penn State, Tennessee, and others (no offer from UNC or NC State)
– 2025 team captain
– Won team award for Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition in 2025 and was named the team’s co-MVP and Most Outstanding Senior, sharing both with Bryan Thomas Jr.
– Didn’t play as a high school senior due to the pandemic; school pushed the season to January, and Barrett opted to enroll at South Carolina early instead
– Once hoped to pursue something in the “medical field” after football
– Regarded as team leader throughout the 2025 season
Tape Breakdown
It took Nick Barrett five years to crack South Carolina’s lineup, but he played well in his first full season of action. A little short but with plus length, Barrett can play the run tough. At his best, he uses his arms well and holds the point of attack against base blocks.
Some of his best reps came early in the second half against Alabama, beating LT Kadyn Proctor to knife into the backfield for a big 3rd and 1 TFL. A short time later, he flowed down the line to make another stop.
As a pass rusher, Barrett struggles. But he works hard to use his hands and can swipe and swim past to win, giving him enough value to stick on the field. You can see the lower-body tightness here, but his upper half has an active twitch.
Negatively, Barrett lacks the bend to get under and split blocks. His tape is overall inconsistent. He must show a more consistent get-off and control against double-teams. Watch LSU clear him out for a huge run. The left guard and center do the job below.
His overall play just runs hot and cold. There are too many highs and lows to his game to fully trust him at this stage in his career. It’s not shocking, given his inexperience before 2025, but it’s a reality of his current game.
Conclusion
Overall, Nick Barrett flashes in all areas but is a run-first type of defensive lineman. He’ll work best as a 3-tech in a 4-3 scheme. His leadership traits are commendable, and he seems to be working hard at his craft, well-respected by coaches and teammates in South Carolina. The fact that he stayed in school as a backup says something about his character, too.
Still, his game must find level ground and not be as on/off as it is. If Barrett can play more consistently against the run and refine a pass rush move, there’s starting potential. For now, he’s more projection.
My NFL comp is DT Davon Hamilton.
NFL Projection: Late Day Three
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 7.5 (Spot Starter)
Grade Range: 7.2-8.1
Games Watched: vs Alabama (2025), at Ole Miss (2025), at LSU (2025)
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