Eagles select Derek Barnett with the 14th overall pick
After a dominant three years at Tennessee, Derek Barnett lands in the Top 15 of the 2017 NFL Draft and is now a Philadelphia Eagle.
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 - defensive end Derek Barnett #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Alison P. McNabb\Tennessee Athletics
With the 14th selection in the 2017 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select the all-time sack leader at Tennessee, Derek Barnett.
This is a great fit for both Barnett and the Eagles. Defensive end served as one of the Eagles’ bigger team needs, as their talent level at the position is underwhelming outside of All-Pro talent Brandon Graham. In Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 defensive scheme, Barnett should be expected to replace Chris Long at the right defensive end position. Schwartz’s preference to use a Wide-9 defense and Barnett’s quick burst off the line makes him an intriguing fit to start opposite of Graham.
Despite the underwhelming athletic testing numbers, Barnett’s college production is enough to prove he’s an excellent football player, and one who will benefit from playing under Jim Schwartz. In Barnett’s pre-draft visit with the Eagles, the coaches told him they see a lot of Terrell Suggs in his game. That’s some high praise for the former Vol and explains why the Eagles were high enough on him to make Barnett their first-round selection.
Vol fans should be excited for the now-former Tennessee defensive end, and Eagles are surely even more ecstatic. Expect Barnett to contribute right away against both the run and pass and enjoy a lengthy career in Philadelphia.
Edited by Robert Hughes
Featured image by Alison P. McNabb, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics
