Since entering the NFL in 2009, Kevin Barnes has faced an uphill battle when it comes to carving out a role on the Redskins defense. Through two seasons in Washington, he’s played under two defensive coordinators, learned both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes while also lining up at corner and safety.
Needless to say, Barnes has experienced his fair share of adverse circumstances. He knows his moment to break out could be close, but for the bulk of his first two years, he’s had to watch from the sidelines.
“Even when I saw Carlos [Rogers] and DeAngelo [Hall] out there making plays, it makes me want to be out there more because I’m out here battling in practice and I know what I’m capable of,” Barnes said. “But I mean it’s all about paying your dues and I think I’m on my way to doing that.”
Barnes isn’t a cocky player, but he certainly emanates a quiet, self-assurance. He admitted there have been times when he’s wondered why he isn’t on the field. And that’s not a bad mindset to possess.
“You have to have that mentality being a corner, especially a young corner,” he said.
Despite the slow start to his career, Barnes hasn’t stopped maintaining a positive outlook on his future in football. With his solid 6’1”, 185-pound frame and willingness to help in run support, it’s easy to see why he’s confident.
He started the final two games of the 2010 season and intercepted a David Garrard pass in overtime to setup a Graham Gano field goal, giving the Redskins a victory over the Jaguars. The interception was the first of Barnes’ career and with Mike Shanahan keeping an eye out for young talent during the final weeks of a lost season it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Coaches saw what I could do when I had my opportunity last year,” he said. “The thing is, I’ve been buried on the depth chart since I’ve been here so now I’m a little bit older, a little bit wiser, coaches are putting a little bit more responsibility on me to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing.”
Barnes has been grateful for the quiet start to the season. His rookie campaign was during the end of the disastrous Jim Zorn era, which hampered his development. Last year was more structured under Shanahan, but with higher expectations and the drama surrounding Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb, younger players like Barnes were afterthoughts.
However, the focus has shifted to building a foundation that makes football priority number one and Barnes has already embraced the newfound stability at Redskins Park.
“I think coach Shanahan and Mr. [Bruce] Allen—they’re doing a great [job] of sculpting the team the way they want it,” he said. “I was talking to guys yesterday about the locker room, the atmosphere and it’s completely different from the last few years. There’s just no negativity, it’s all positive and everybody’s really coming together faster.”
Barnes, Byron Westbrook and Brandyn Thompson will be fighting for two roster spots unless the Redskins decide to have six corners on their roster, which is unlikely. Barnes’ ability to play both corner and safety is attractive, but Westbrook was re-signed this offseason and can play special teams. Thompson was one of this year’s seventh-round draft picks, meaning Shanahan might prefer him instead of Barnes who was selected by Vinny Cerrato.
Even though the odds might be stacked against him, Barnes firmly believes he is in control of his fate with the team.
“Regardless of whoever comes back or who’s here, I mean it’s still in my hands,” he said. “Coach Shanahan promotes competition at every position so it’s going to be a battle throughout the season.”
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