The Seahawks made a big change to their TE group in 2024. The team cut Will Dissly and let Colby Parkinson leave in free agency. In free agency, they signed Pharaoh Brown and drafted AJ Barner in the fourth round. Barner didn’t exactly shine in the statistics for Michigan or Indiana, never reaching 250 receiving yards in a season in his college career.
The Barner pick was interesting. I had him as a fifth-round prospect, so he didn’t come out much earlier than my projection. The funny thing is that he was drafted, in theory, for his blocking skills. But that’s not what made him stand out.
How far can he go in Year 2?
AJ Barner’s 2024 season
He didn’t receive a single target until Week 3 against the Dolphins. After that, he got at least one target in every game for the rest of the season, except for the matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Barner was efficient and effective when used in the passing game. Geno Smith seemed to trust him more and more as the season went on. Most telling of that trust and efficiency is the fact that Barner led the entire team in passer rating when targeted (119.0). For reference, Fant came in at 85.4.
At first glance, Barner’s receiving numbers are unimpressive, with 30 catches for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns. Noah Fant was certainly still the top tight end in the passing game in terms of receiving yards, with 48 catches for 500 yards. However, where Barner’s targets were scarce, he made up for it with high efficiency and good timing.
The former Wolverine seemed to make big catches in key moments time after time. In fact, he had just one fewer first down (18) on 37 targets than Ken Walker III, who had 15 more targets. Fant had 25 first downs on 62 targets. He was third on the team in receiving TDs (4) behind only DK Metcalf (5) and JSN (6).
In terms of blocking, Barner outperformed Fant. In run blocking, Barner received a 57.5 grade from PFF. Noah Fant ranked last on the team in run blocking grades at 42.3 and Pharaoh Brown, who Seattle brought in specifically to improve the blocking effort, had a 54.8.
In pass blocking, Barner also had an advantage of 56.8 to 34.5 and 43.4 in pass blocking grades compared to Fant and Brown, respectively. Barner never allowed a single pressure on the QB, while Fant allowed four and Brown one (1 hit).
In snaps, Barner trailed Brown in only two games: Dolphins and Bears. They tied in snaps in two games as well: Jets and Vikings. Compiling the offensive snaps of the three main TEs, we have: Fant (567), Barner (502) and Brown (263). It is worth noting that Barner played in every game while Brown missed Weeks 1 and 2 and Fant sat out Weeks 9, 11 and 12.
Comparison with the rookies
He was fifth and fourth among the rookies in Pass Block and Run Block grade, respectively. However, he fluctuated a lot from game to game, uncharacteristically missing some blocks that he made masterfully at Michigan. Going to the numbers as a receiver, he received the second best grade behind only the incredible Brock Bowers. He also trailed the Raiders rookie in TDs, Barner scored 4 and Bowers 5. The difference is that Barner did it with 37 targets and 30 receptions and Bowers with 148 and 112 respectively.
Barner had three drops and five penalties, so he has plenty of room to improve for Year 2. If he can fix his blocking mistakes and keep improving his passing game, he could become TE1 sooner than we thought.
A.J. Barner’s inconsistent blocking
Barner runs a common block in Ryan Grubb’s scheme. It’s a split-zone and the DE is left unblocked and it’s the TE or FB’s responsibility to do it. The angle Barner takes is very bad and the defender manages to break free and tackle Ken Walker in the backfield.
He can’t sustain the block and ends up holding the EDGE that nullifies Walker’s TD.
This problem with sustaining blocks was a problem at other times in the season. If Barner executes the block correctly, Seattle would have a much better gain.
Obviously I can’t say for 100% certain because I don’t know the actual call here, but this was a bizarre mistake by Barner. He simply attacks the gap inside Charles Cross and this leaves the DB on the edge of the line free to attack the backfield. Barner can’t get back and the 49ers stop the Seahawks on what could have been the deciding play but thankfully was not.
Barner gets good leverage and creates the gap for Zach Charbonnet’s TD.
When Barner uses the right leverage he can move players around with ease. He helps Charles Cross on the first level and advances to the second level, clearing the paths for his running back.
Nice job as an extra blocker on the pass block. The Cardinals call a stunt, Barner manages to navigate between the two and does a good job against the DT. Too bad Pharaoh Brown’s penalty negated it.
AJ Barner’s surprising skills as a receiver
Good job understanding what the defense is showing. The Bills are in Cover 2, Barner notices that the safety is going deep down the field and knows there will be space between the LB and the third level, he quickly turns to the QB and makes the reception.
He is a rookie but needs to improve his concentration drops.
Barner does a good job finding space between the zones, however, he goes towards the defender. He should stop and wait for the pass. Clearly not on the same page as Geno Smith, who makes the pass where the defender should have stopped.
He comes in motion from the opposite side and fakes a block on the EDGE who was unblocked (on purpose) threatening a Split-Zone. He leaves the DE but makes him hesitate and this gives the QB time. Barner becomes a target and has good vision to attack the space.
Another beautifully designed play. The OL pull makes LB Alex Anzalone follow the movement. This simple misplaced pass is enough to give space to AJ Barner who scores his first TD.
This could have been the winning TD. Barner breaks free in the back of the end zone and has good awareness to stay on the field and makes the reception.
Good job on max protection and coming out of that “mode” to receive a pass and gain the first down with great physicality. Barner lowers his shoulder and breaks the tackle for the conversion.
Final Thoughts
As stated at the beginning of the article, Barner was a pleasant surprise. Drafted as a blocker, he proved to be an excellent weapon in the passing game. He needs to improve his blocking technique so that he can be as good as he was in college. This could be a fundamental point in his development since Fant and Elijah Arroyo are pass-catching TEs and Klint Kubiak’s scheme will require blocking with the team wanting to run the ball more.
Forever 12s!