U's Barber drafted by Houston

Speed was the biggest knock on Barber, who ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and a 4.58 at the Gophers’ pro day. But he is a sure tackler -- he had a team-high 100 tackles last season -- and can play every special teams situation.

By CHIP SCOGGINS

Last update: April 27, 2008 - 4:12 PM

Dominique Barber needed a break from the NFL Draft on Sunday so he popped in the movie Braveheart.

With his older brother Marion III sleeping nearby, Barber watched the entire movie on a couch in his basement. A few minutes after it ended, Barber got the call.

The Houston Texans selected Barber in the sixth round of the NFL Draft with the 173rd overall pick. That means he will join Marion, a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys, in the state of Texas.

“Just awesome,” he said. “I’m speechless.”

Marion’s reaction to the news?

“He just smiled,” Dominique Barber said.

Barber, a free safety, said he expected to get selected between rounds 4-6. He said he didn’t have much interaction with any particular team leading up to the draft, although he made an instant connection with Texans defensive backs coach Jon Hoke at the NFL Combine.

“We just hit it off right away,” Barber said.

Speed was the biggest knock on Barber, who ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at the combine and a 4.58 at the Gophers’ pro day. But he is a sure tackler -- he had a team-high 100 tackles last season -- and can play every special teams situation.

Barber said he believes his versatility will allow him to make an impact.

“People know me as a safety, but I played special teams for four years at Minnesota,” he said. “I look forward to doing that. I think it will help me to be able to play in so many different situations.”