In Christian Barmore, Matthew Judon sees a Patriots rookie on track to be ‘an amazing player in this league’

Rookie New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore got off to a disruptive start Sunday night at Metlife Stadium.

The No. 38 overall pick in April’s NFL draft generated a pair of pressures on New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones through two series, and closed out the preseason finale having also generated praise from veteran outside linebacker Matthew Judon, who came over from the Baltimore Ravens on a four-year, $54.5 million contract in March.

“I think Barmore is going to be an amazing player in this league, just the physicality that he brings,” Judon said in his postgame press conference following New England’s 22-20 win over New York. “When he starts to learn the game more, and not saying that he doesn’t, but it’s a different level. The more reps he gets, the better he looks.”

Barmore, listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, bulled his way into the pocket against left guard Ted Larsen on what became a sack for sophomore Patriots linebacker Josh Uche. It arrived on the opening drive in East Rutherford and forced a punt.

On the following drive, the 22-year-old Alabama product sliced inside the B-gap against left tackle Andrew Thomas. It arrived on second-and-6 and forced a checkdown pass to running back Devontae Booker short of the sticks.

“He starts to see stuff,” added Judon. “He just has a natural feel to the game. I know he’s young into football, as well, so I think he’s going to be another good player for a long time.”

Barmore led the Crimson Tide in sacks and forced fumbles as a redshirt sophomore in 2020. He became a first-team All-SEC selection and a second-team All-American along the way to being named the defensive MVP of January’s national championship versus Ohio State.