Khalil Barnes, CB, Georgia: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Cornerback/Safety |
|
Jersey Number |
#7 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Georgia |
|
Height / Weight |
6’0″ / 200 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Athens, Ga. / North Oconee HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
INT |
PD |
FF |
|
2023 |
Clemson |
ACC |
FR |
13 |
38 |
5.0 |
1.0 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
|
2024 |
Clemson |
ACC |
SO |
14 |
61 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
2025 |
Clemson |
ACC |
JR |
10 |
40 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Total |
37 |
139 |
6.5 |
1.0 |
7 |
11 |
6 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his high school athletic profile, verified collegiate movement, and established safety benchmarks.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.48 – 4.58 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 35.0″ – 37.0″
- Broad Jump: 10’0″ – 10’4″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.54 – 1.60 seconds
- Bench Press: 16 – 20 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Khalil Barnes is a highly decorated defensive back who returned home to Athens to play for the Georgia Bulldogs after a standout three-year career at Clemson. A former Region 8-4A Player of the Year at North Oconee High School, Barnes made an immediate splash as a true freshman under Dabo Swinney, becoming the first Clemson freshman to record multiple interceptions and forced fumbles in a single season. His blend of high-level ball production and veteran experience makes him one of the most intriguing safety prospects in the 2027 class.
Key Strengths
- Ballhawk Instincts: Possesses elite anticipation in the deep secondary. His seven career interceptions in just three seasons demonstrate a knack for capitalizing on quarterback errors.
- Positional Versatility: Has shown the capability to operate as a high-post safety, a nickel defender in the slot, and a reliable downhill tackler in the box.
- Turnover Creation: Demonstrated a rare ability to impact the game beyond coverage; his six forced fumbles showcase a “punch-out” mentality that is highly valued at the professional level.
- High-Leverage Experience: With 37 games played and 30 starts under his belt, he brings the poise and recognition skills of a seasoned veteran to the Georgia secondary.
Developmental Focus
Entering his senior year at Georgia, Barnes’ primary focus is regaining his full-season durability after missing time in 2025. Evaluators will look for him to maintain his aggressive ball-seeking style while demonstrating improved consistency in man-coverage situations against top-tier SEC wideouts. Mastering the nuances of the Georgia defensive scheme will be the final step in solidifying his status as a top-tier defensive back prospect.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending