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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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Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter of the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter of the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall Thoughts

I think Derek Barnett is destined to be a stud in the NFL, but his lack of elite measurables could push him further down in the first round than he deserves.

I also believe Barnett offers positional versatility at the next level, showing the ability to occasionally drop into coverage and play standing up as a rush linebacker.

When I watched Barnett’s game tape, I was reminded a bit of Missouri pass rushers Shane Ray and Markus Golden while they were terrorizing quarterbacks. Barnett plays with a sense of urgency and intensity that is contagious.

As he transitions to the NFL and sees fewer double teams, I think he will be one of the toughest matchups for opposing offensive tackles on third downs. He’s so quick off the snap that if he gets some room around the edge, quarterbacks will be greatly affected.

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I think of Barnett pairing with someone like Khalil Mack, and I can’t help but get a little afraid for opposing teams. With Barnett’s nasty demeanor and ability to be a drive killer on third downs, opportunities would open up for Mack on the other side of the field and teams would have nightmares game planning for them.

That same concept is true for any team looking to pair Barnett with another edge rusher. I don’t think Barnett is going to step in and be your primary edge player from day one, but he has the ability to grow into a more prominent role while helping a more established star ‘clean up’ his first couple of years in the league.

This player was a joy to watch as a college athlete, and should be a very successful professional because of his play strength, quickness off the edge, and instincts in the pass rush department.

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