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Derek Barnett 2017 NFL Draft scouting report and analysis

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Strengths

Derek Barnett video database (Draft Breakdown)

Games studied: Nebraska, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida

Derek Barnett is one of the best pure pass rushers in the entire draft class. His greatest asset is his relentless motor, but this is a player that can really get around the edge in a hurry.

I had to reference a number of different game tapes to make sure this wasn’t just happening against bad offensive lines or tight ends, because Barnett often lines up extremely wide off tackle. This play against Florida is a good example of just how quick Barnett is off the edge in passing situations:

Barnett didn’t just do this against bad left tackles, however. He did it against another potential first round pick in Alabama’s Cam Robinson…

While Robinson and the Alabama offense mostly game-planned the action away from Barnett’s side of the field, Barnett didn’t let Robinson get away from this game without a piece of tape he would eventually regret…

Barnett has playmaking skills from the defensive end position, and he can apply pressure from both the right defensive end spot (his primary position) or the left defensive end spot. He also showed he can drop into coverage on occasion, and showed phenomenal timed quickness in the three-cone drill at the Scouting Combine.

More than anything else, Barnett’s effort, grit, and hustle shine in every game I watched. He might get washed out of some plays, but he never gives up on a play, especially when he has a chance to get pressure on the quarterback.

Despite facing some double and triple teams, Barnett stays patient and waits for obvious passing situations when he can get after the quarterback. His energy isn’t wasted when he’s getting double teamed, either. Other teammates had plenty of opportunities opened up simply by Barnett’s presence on the other side of the field.

Against the run, I think Barnett has plenty of strength and great hands to disengage from blockers and make plays. That’s evidenced by his 52 career tackles for loss. As quick as Barnett is around the edge, he can also beat tackles to the inside.

Barnett plays with the type of fire and intensity you love to see in a defensive lineman, pumping up his teammates with great energy. He has been a model of consistency on the field and clearly takes pride in his craft.

Capable of delivering punishing hits to the quarterback and knows how and where to hit them legally.

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