Derek Barnett is crushing the NFL Draft projections
Vols defensive end Derek Barnett has become a household name in college football. His nine sacks this season have brought him to within three sacks of Reggie White's school career sack record. The Junior from Brentwood, TN is very likely to jump to the NFL following the season. From the looks of it, he will […]
Vols defensive end Derek Barnett has become a household name in college football. His nine sacks this season have brought him to within three sacks of Reggie White's school career sack record.
The Junior from Brentwood, TN is very likely to jump to the NFL following the season. From the looks of it, he will cash in as a high draft pick. Steve Pallazolo of Pro Football Focus updated his 2017 NFL Draft "Big Board" this week, and Barnett ranks in the Top Three.
PFF on Derek Barnett
3. Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee
Barnett continues to change perception about his game as he was once considered a run-first player but he produces as a pass-rusher at an elite level. His 91.5 grade leads all Power-5 rushers as he’s notched nine sacks, 12 QB hits, and 23 hurries on 246 rushes this season. He’s always been strong against the run, but his pass-rush production is difficult to ignore even if he doesn’t possess the classic edge-rushing look like Garrett.
Texas A&M's Myles Garrett is PFF's top prospect heading into the 2017 Draft. Garrett's edge over Barnett is due to his pure size and athleticism at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds. NFL scouts are salivating over the way Garrett should translate to a 3-4 outside linebacker in an NFL defense. Barnett will translate well to the NFL, however, he fits better in a more traditional 4-3 defensive scheme with his hand on the ground at the line of scrimmage. But, we've even seen him this season in coverage!
Everything I hear about Derek Barnett, going all the way back to Brentwood Academy, leaves me to believe he will have a very illustrious NFL career. Barnett has been called a "throwback" type of player when describing his work ethic and approach to the game of football. As well rounded as he is, the NFL team that drafts Barnett should see early production on the field.
