Derek Barnett made headlines in the 2016 Music City Bowl when he passed Reggie White's 32 career sacks for the Tennessee all-time sack leader title. While that statistic does not mean Barnett is better than Reggie White, it does show pass-rushing consistency in Barnett's career. He has handled NFL talents such as Cam Robinson and Avery Gennesy, and he has every tool to do the same thing in the NFL. He will just get the job differently than Reggie White did in his day.
Measurables:
Height- 6'3''
Weight- 265
Year:
Junior (20)
2016 Stat Line:
56 total tackles (40 solo), 19 TFL, 13 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT, 16 QBH, 5 PBU
Pros: Derek Barnett flies off of the line of scrimmage like a track running the 100m dash. If the offensive lineman does not have a wide kick out, he will be playing catch-up as Barnett flies past them. Barnett uses his elite bend to cut down the angle to the quarterback while evading the hands of the offensive tackle. He also flashes a power game, as he has active hands at the point of contact and can bull rush quite well. Against the run, Barnett does a good job of sealing the edge and forcing runs inside when the ball carrier heads towards him. On runs to the other side and down the middle, Barnett is smart enough to know when to stay home or chase the runner downfield. Barnett's football IQ combined with his relentless motor makes him a legitimate asset in run defense. As icing on the cake, Barnett can play both 4-3 end (what he played at Tennessee) and 3-4, mainly because he actually has some experience covering pass catchers.
Cons: Barnett needs to expand his pass rushing skill set. Barnett needs better rip, spin, and swim moves to get by NFL tackles. Fortunately, that can be coached. Barnett also struggles changing directions accelerating during misdirections and option plays. This isn't that surprising since he is a defensive lineman, but it would be nice to see him foil more misdirection plays. In terms of measurables, he may not test out well. He is a little short both in height and with his arms. Some teams value this more than others (ex. Cincinnati loves DL that look like small forwards) so it is something to look out for.
Pro Comparison: Melvin Ingram
Melvin Ingram is a 3-4 outside linebacker for the LA Chargers (ugh, I hate the sound of "LA Chargers"). He is almost the exact same size as Barnett (6'2'', 260 lbs) and utilizes and elite bend to out-athlete offensive tackles. His pass rushing skills toolbox is larger than Barnetts, but once Barnett learns those skills, he will be on the same level as Ingram. He has a higher ceiling too, as he has not been held back by health issues.
3 Teams that fit him: The Indianapolis Colts need a pass rusher that isn't getting AARP letters in the mail, and Barnett would be a nice building block for a rebuilding defense. The Saints are farther along in their defensive overhaul and could continue their ascent by plugging in a pass rushing threat next to stud EDGE rusher Cameron Jordan. The final team that could use young blood at the EDGE position is the Ravens, who still utilize the Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs duo despite the fact that they are old, injury prone, and pricey. Barnett could learn behind the grizzled veterans and eventually assume a starting role, like Shane Ray in Denver.
Conclusion: Derek Barnett is a true blue chip prospect with an elite bend and motor. While he needs some coaching, he has the potential to be a double-digit sack master from day one. Barnett will probably walk on the draft stage between picks 10 and 20.
P.S. For those wondering, I am working on a numerical grading system for all of the prospects in this draft class. In a few weeks, I will release the grades for prospects by position. After the Senior Bowl, be on the lookout for my first big board and first round mock draft. Thanks for reading and comment below if you have any questions or inputs.
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