Lander Barton’s usage at Utah has spanned traditional off-ball linebacker duties, pressure packages, and even offensive snaps, making projection dependent on role definition and scheme fit at the next level.
We are continuing our coverage of prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, and not all players in this series project as early-round selections. Barton’s evaluation centers on versatility, instincts, and functional football intelligence rather than pure athletic dominance.
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In this report, we will discuss a linebacker for the Utah Utes. Here is my scouting report on Lander Barton.
Information
Height / Weight: 6’5”, 240 lbs
Date of Birth: March 15, 2001
All-Star Game: East-West Shrine Bowl
Background
Appeared in 45 career games with 33 starts
Accepted an invitation to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl
2022 Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year
College Football News Freshman All-American
One of five active Big 12 players with multiple career pick-sixes
Comes from a deep Utah football family with multiple siblings reaching the NFL
Logged snaps at linebacker, edge alignments, and limited offensive roles
Notable Stats
2025 Season (Utah):
PFF Snapshot (2025)
Overall Defensive Grade: 61.6
Missed Tackle Rate: 18.5%
Completion Rate Allowed: 60.0%
NFL Passer Rating Allowed: 66.0
Skills
Aligns as MLB, WLB, and EDGE, depending on personnel and pressure packages
Displays strong quarterback awareness and route recognition in zone coverage
Effective downhill runner who fills interior lanes decisively
Shows timing and vision as a blitzer, particularly on interior pressures
Has experience dropping into hook, curl, and flat zones when asked
Uses length well to disrupt passing lanes
Physical profile allows him to take on blocks inside the box
Areas for Improvement
Not a consistent finisher as a tackler, with missed tackles showing up on film
Can get caught in space when play design forces extended coverage responsibility
Player Summary
Lander Barton projects as a versatile, assignment-sound linebacker whose value lies in his adaptability and football intelligence rather than high-end athletic traits. His ability to align across multiple linebacker spots, contribute as a blitzer, and hold his own in zone coverage gives him a realistic path to an NFL roster.
At the next level, Barton profiles best as a rotational linebacker capable of handling early-down duties, pressure packages, and special teams contributions. His background, instincts, and willingness to take on varied roles suggest a player who can carve out a defined niche with the right defensive coordinator and developmental runway.
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This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Lander Barton, LB, Utah