Shaquil Barrett: Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware 'help me become better'

Being a second-year player in the NFL can be difficult, especially when the team you suit up for possesses so much talent at the position you play.

For Shaquil Barrett, that’s the reality of his situation. But the former Colorado State Rams defensive end/outside linebacker hasn’t shied away from the competition, he’s worked to stand out among his youthful peers.

“So far, training camp’s been going pretty good. Today I had some missed assignments out there,” Barrett said after practice on Sunday. “I think some of the fatigue caught up with me today. But, I just have to fight through that and work on my mental toughness.”

Interesting, since Barrett’s mental toughness was quite strong in the Rams’ 2013 New Mexico Bowl victory. Barrett got the stop of the game, stripping Washington State running back Jeremiah Laufasa and then jumped on the ball with 1:51 on the clock. CSU scored a touchdown on the feet of Kapri Bibbs and then tied the game with the statue of liberty play. They eventually won 48-45, the first bowl victory since 2008.

Of course, the level of play and determination takes a step up from college to the NFL, and Barrett is taking his opportunity on the practice squad last year as well as this current offseason to improve all-around.

“I feel as though I was able to improve on almost everything, just watching Von [Miller] and D-Ware out there,” the 22-year old said. “I came back a little bit smaller than I was last year. I’m a little bit quicker, a little bit stronger. And that helped me out a lot. Speed off the ball is essential for the position I play. And my first step became a little more explosive.”

That’s saying something since he resembled Miller at Colorado State, flying past tackles for sacks. In his senior season, Shaq Barrett was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year with 12 sacks and 20.5 tackles for a loss on the season. That year, CSU faced defending National Champion Alabama and Barrett came up with this play:

The sack came on future second-round pick Cyrus Kuandijo, who now plays for the Buffalo Bills.

And even though he left college using a variety of moves to get through a block and to the quarterback, Barrett’s enjoyed a crash course in moves from Miller an Ware.

“Just like different pass-rush moves that I would probably never, ever try,” the youngster said of learning from the Pro Bowlers. “Usually, I’ll come off the edge, I’ll try speed, stud and swipe. But now I’m trying to work my ‘long arm’ technique and everything comes from D-Ware, using the long arms.

“And Von, he’s just quick and he’s explosive. His speed off the edge, I mean, I can try to do what he does but he’s got it right now. I’m still working to get it. Just having them in there, they always have something to tell you, what you could do better. I appreciate stuff like that. It’s going to help me become better in the long run.’

Now that’s veteran leadership at it’s best. Something which can help separate this Broncos team from the other Super Bowl contenders. Superstars breeding confidence in their younger counterparts; brilliant.

“If I keep doing what I’m doing up here, I’m pretty sure I’ll be on the roster,” he said.

Currently, Barrett is listed as the third string strong side linebacker, behind Miller, and third-year pro Lerentee McCray. Still, Shaq is grinding, working to be consistently great like his two teammates/mentors/idols.

“Everybody’s following Coach Wade [Phillips] and buying into the system,” Barrett said of how the defense this year compares to last. “We always just want to be great. We come out here practicing like it every day. People aren’t taking days off. When they’re out here dressed, they’re going 100 percent.

“D-Ware and Von, they’re full speed every play,” he continued. “It was tough for me to do it, so it’s hard to see how they do it every day.”

Looking through the Broncos’ roster, the team is stacked with edge-rushing talent. There’s Miller and Ware, Barrett, McCray, rookie first-rounder Shane Ray, CSU-Pueblo star Chase Vaughn and camp darling Kenny Anunike. It’s a good problem for Denver to have – too many pass-rushers – but it means some of them will be buried and on the bench.

Barrett’s confident he’ll make the roster this year and he understands that will bring special teams play, too. The understated young man is mature beyond his years, selfless and a true team player. He even gave up his No. 56 jersey to Ray following the defensive end’s selection in May.

Don’t be surprised to see Barrett on the field for the Broncos soon. And not just starting tomorrow in preseason, but in the regular season, too.