I was wondering if it would work if i tied one on then add a crank bait to it? 

Excuse the pun but a barrel swivel is at the bottom of the barrel.  Barrel swivels barely rotate in the water, they are ok for line connection.  Cranes turn better than barrels and ball bearings are better than cranes. A barrel with a snap for lure connection is fine, but a neater presentation is superior IMO.  Personally I would use a duolock or facsimile for lure connection or learn to tie a loopknot, which is pretty easy.

To answer the question, would it work............sure.

If you are going to use a snap, use a crosslock snap rather than a doulock. The crosslocks are much more reliable. A doulock snap just might cost you the fish of a lifetime.