How will they fit the Eagles: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett
29 March 2017 DRAFT Eagles News
Today we take a look at Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett. How does he fit in with the Eagles and is Barnett the ideal prospect for the team?
Measurables:
- 6’3″HEIGHT
- 32 1/8″ARM LENGTH
- 259LBS.WEIGHT
- 10″HANDS
Combine Results: 4.88-second 40-yard dash, 31-inch vertical jump, 117-inch broad jump, 6.96 second 3-cone drill, 4.44-second 20-yd shuffle
Scouting Report:
When I look at Barnett, I see a very good pass rusher, he knows how to get to the quarterback. He is a player who broke “the Minister of Defense” Reggie White’s Tennessee sack record with 33 sacks in his career. He also racked up over 52 tackles for a loss, which is second-best in school history. Bottom line is, he can flat out just get to the quarterback.
I watched the game versus Alabama and this game really stood out to me. He used and abused Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson, who is one of the top tackles in the NFL Draft this year.
Barnett is relentless in pursuit. He is really athletic, he kind of reminds me of a bigger Brandon Graham. Barnett is very good at beating tackles with his hands and brute force but can do more than just that. Whatever it takes to get to the quarterback, expect Barnett to try it.
“Strong edge presence with NFL-caliber hand usage and play strength. Barnett is one of the most productive defensive linemen to come out of the SEC in quite some time despite lacking the length and twitch that teams usually look for off the edge. His awareness and play traits should keep him near the action and he has the talent to step into a starting base end spot right away. There could be coordinators who view him as an early down, outside backer in a 3-4 with the ability to put his hand in the ground on sub packages.”
Where he fits with the Eagles
After the addition of Chris Long, you would have to wonder if the Eagles are going to draft a defensive end with their first pick. There is no doubt, Barnett has the potential to become something pretty special at the next level, but are the Eagles in a position to take him? On their current roster, the Eagles have other needs to fill. But, with that being said, Jim Schwartz does like to rotate and mix it up on the defensive line.
As for the depth chart, I would expect it to look like this.
LE: Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry
DT: Fletcher Cox
DT: Beau Allen
RE: Derek Barnett, Chris Long
The question is, is he a fit
I think Barnett is a fit with the Eagles and does fit in their defense, but I do not think he is in play at this pick. I do not think the Eagles are going to be that in love with him to take him at 14 just for the heck of it. With the addition of Long, the Eagles give themselves a little leeway.
You also have to remember, Curry is a player who has the potential and can breakout. He received a big contract last offseason and the Eagles have faith he will play up to it.
Pederson says he loves Vinny Curry. Tremendous leader. Wants to see him take the next step.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
The Eagles definitely need to get to the quarterback this season, but they have players on the roster who can accomplish that. That is the main reason I think the Eagles do not take him. He does fit what the Eagles are doing, but at this time and point, it seems unlikely that the Eagles go in his direction.
Mandatory Photo Credit: CBSSports.com