Ramses Barden SELECTED BY: Giants Round 3 (21)

SI Grade 3.74 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his freshman season. Named to a number of all-America teams since his sophomore campaign. Senior receiving totals included 67/1,257/18 after 47/1,467/18 as a junior. Led Cal-Poly in receiving every season since his freshman year.

POSITIVES: King-sized pass catcher who projects as a possession receiver in the NFL. Defeats jams at the line of scrimmage, gets separation, and displays a nice sense of timing. Gets vertical and extends to make the reception away from his frame, using his body to shield away defenders and protect the pass. Stays low exiting breaks, displays good eye/hand coordination, and looks the ball in. Gets up in a crowd, makes the difficult reception, and then takes a pounding but holds onto the throw. Tall enough to out-jump defenders and high point the ball. Offers himself as an awesome red zone target.

NEGATIVES: Overall game lacks quickness and speed. Slow releasing off the line, lacks a burst and has more built-up speed. Struggles getting separation from defenders out of routes and not much of a threat running after the reception.

ANALYSIS: Barden has been a very productive small-school receiver with the physical dimensions to play at the next level. His lack of quickness and speed is a limiting factor, yet his size is enticing, especially in the red zone or on third-down situations. Barden is the type of receiver who could be lined up in the slot or out on the flanks, and he has potential as a third wideout in the NFL.

PROJECTION: Third Round