Former Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes recorded the fastest 40-time among defensive backs in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003, clocking a 4.23-second run. The mark bested all players at this year's Combine and is second all-time to wide receiver John Ross' 4.22-second time.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams scheduled to hold a pre-draft Zoom meeting with Barnes. The other team meeting virtually with the young defensive back is the Los Angeles Chargers.
Per Wilson, Barnes has visited lined up with the Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. He has already met with the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans.
"When it actually happened, I knew it would be a fast time," Barnes recently told Wilson in a phone interview. "Seeing the 4.2, that's what I've been striving for, trying to get that time. When I was 4.23 and that it was setting a record, it was fun to see. It was exciting. I knew I was going to run a fast time, but actually doing it after putting the work into it the last few months felt good. Most people say I'm a track guy, but I'm trying to show I'm a football guy."
Barnes registered 23 tackles, five passes defensed, and an interception through nine game appearances as a senior in 2021, per Sports Reference. He recorded 69 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, and a forced fumble through his four collegiate seasons.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5' 11 1/2" and 183-pound Barnes had an arm length measuring 31 3/4 inches and hands measuring 9 7/8 inches.
"Cornerback with the traits worthy of consideration for a late-round pick," wrote NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein in his draft profile. "Barnes has legitimate track speed but his play can be too reliant upon that aspect of his game. He's a better athlete than cover man, often losing track of his coverage duties. He's athletic and has no excuses for not playing with better technique. Barnes' length and ball skills could have a team willing to plug him into a practice squad slot to see if there is more consistent football ahead for him."
