AJ Barner
Summary
AJ Barner was selected in the 4th Round (#121 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of Michigan. Barner offers a compelling blend of size, blocking proficiency, athleticism for his frame, and developmental upside in the receiving game. His standout strengths lie in his in-line blocking, physicality, catch-point ability, and versatility. His strongest developmental tasks center on honing his route-running, improving separation and burst, and gaining consistent production as a receiver. If he progresses well, he could become a valuable dual-threat TE; if not, he still brings meaningful value as a blocking tight end with situational receiving upside.
Strengths
Size & frame for the position: Barner’s physical dimensions give him a naturally large catch-radius and make him an asset in tight spaces and at the line. Bleacher Report
Blocking ability / in-line strength: One of his standout traits: Barner has been consistently praised for his blocking technique and effort in the run game. Bleacher Report
Catch-point ability & athleticism for size: Though not a burner, he shows above-average athleticism for a TE his size, with long, easy strider who flashes ability to separate and is above-average ability to play above the rim. Bleacher Report
Versatility and role flexibility: Barner has experience lining up in-line, detached, and engaging in motion — giving him use in varied TE packages. Maize n Brew
Work ethic & intangibles: He was a captain at Indiana, showing leadership. He has been described as competitive and committed to improving. Maize n Brew
Weaknesses
Route-running and separation still developing: While Barner has the size and some athleticism, his route-tree versatility and ability to get separation consistently — especially on sharp breaks and against press coverage — are still considered raw. Bleacher Report
Explosiveness / high-end speed limitations: He isn’t elite in terms of burst or change-of-direction compared to top receiving TEs. Bleacher Report
Blocking dominance (vs top defenders) and finishing blocks: Even though his blocking is a strength, Barner could stand to show more pop and leg-drive as a blocker. While he always does his job, but isn’t always a people mover. Bleacher Report
Production and pass-catch expectation versus blocking role: His college receiving numbers were modest: e.g., in 2023 he had 22 receptions for 249 yards and 1 touchdown at Michigan, perhaps limiting his ceiling as a primary receiving TE. Bleacher Report
Projection risk / TE2 floor: Many evaluations label him as more of a TE2/“blocking first” type with upside, rather than an immediate elite TE1. Bleacher Report
Fit & Outlook
Barner projects as a multi-role tight end who brings immediate value as a blocking asset and evolving value in the passing game. He best fits as an in-line or move TE in a balanced offense that values both the run game and play-action. Early on, he may contribute heavily in blocking schemes, short yardage, and favorable matchups in the red zone, while his receiving skills continue to improve. With development, he has the potential to become a fuller “three-down” tight end — contributing in both blocking and reception. If his route-running and separation improve, his ceiling moves upward. If he doesn’t take significant strides in receiving skill-set, his long-term role may settle as a high-end TE2/blocking specialist with spot receiving value.