Barton making strong impression

05.27.2009

D'Qwell Jackson summed up his first football impression of Eric Barton in one word.

Wow.

"He's smart as heck," Jackson said after Wednesday's minicamp practice. "He's sharp. It's a good thing I'm starting to know this stuff pretty well because he's a half-second ahead of me on making a read, changing a call, things like that. Right now everybody's learning but he's making it a lot easier on me because I know I can go to him if I'm not sure of anything."

And that's good news for the Browns defense.

The current pairing at inside linebacker features the two former University of Maryland stars: Jackson, who's entering his fourth NFL season after unofficially leading the NFL in tackles last year; and Barton, who's entering his 11th NFL season, his first with the Browns but fourth under Eric Mangini.

It's that experience and familiarity with the head coach and the scheme that makes Barton the man a lot of the Browns' linebackers -- not just Jackson -- are looking to for guidance as the defenses are installed and the first on-field work lays the foundation for what the Browns hope will be an improved defense this fall.

"I'm just trying to share my knowledge," Barton said. "I have been in the league a while, been around some of these guys, so if that means being a leader out there that's what I'll be. I'm just trying to get guys on the same page so we can execute the defense."

WATCH: Barton's post-practice interview

As for improving the run defense, Barton said, "it's all about shedding blocks and getting to the ball. It's all about attitude."

With four seasons of 100-plus tackles, Barton knows about getting to the ball. He's trying to share a few tricks of his trade with Jackson and the Browns' other linebackers in these camps. This is the Browns' second voluntary minicamp, and the team still has OTA practices and a full-squad mandatory camp set for June.

By then, Mangini will expect to see his defense more comfortable with its roles and assignments. And he's counting on Barton to continue to help his teammates.

"(Barton) is incredibly smart," Mangini said. "And not just in terms of his ability to pick up information but his ability to process information on field. He can see a formation, anticipate the adjustment and anticipate the play. He's a good communicator and has good toughness but I've always respected his natural intelligence and football intelligence."

The feeling is mutual.

"Coach Mangini is the smartest coach I've ever played for," Barton said. "He puts guys in position to make plays. You know you'll always be prepared to play the game. When guys know their roles and buy in, this scheme works."

Though they'd never met before Barton signed with the Browns, Jackson said he knew of Barton through his close friend and former Maryland teammate, E.J. Henderson. The succession of Terrapin tackling machines went Barton, Henderson, Jackson.

"It's a good little Maryland reunion," Barton said. "We're getting to know each other. He's a heck of a player. Turn on the tape and he's all over the field. It makes you proud when you're the older Terp and you see him doing that. It's fun."

And Jackson thinks he'll have even more fun as he continues to follow Barton's lead.

"He makes every call and works hard," Jackson said. "You can't help but be impressed."