Eagles select Tennessee DE Derek Barnett with their first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft

With the 14th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett.

Barnett is a shorter, thick, strong defensive end who reminds me a little of Brandon Graham. Barnett is equally effective against the run as he is as a pass rusher, and has been an impact player since his freshman year:

 Derek BarnettTackles Sacks TFL FF 
 201447 10 20.5 
 201544 10 12.5 
 201656 13 19 
 TOTAL147 33 52 


In just three seasons at Tennessee, Barnett broke the all-time career school sack record that was previously held by some guy named Reggie White. No big deal. 

A highlight reel:


In Jim Schwartz's scheme, if the front four cannot create pressure without the help of blitzing, the rest of the defense suffers greatly. Here they would add a player who has proven he can get to the quarterback.


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