VFLs Barnett, Reeves-Maybin Impress At NFL Combine

UT Release

INDIANAPOLIS– Tennessee’s Derek Barnett and Jalen Reeves-Maybin put their skills on display on Sunday at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Barnett, who competed in drills despite dealing with illness, ran a 4.88 in the 40-yard dash. He ran a 6.96 three-cone drill, which ranked fifth among defensive linemen, and also clocked a 4.44 in the 20-yard shuttle. Barnett posted a 31.0-inch vertical and 9’9″ broad jump.

NFL Network’s Ike Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew spoke on-air with Barnett after his workouts about his decision to work out despite feeling ill.

“I wanted to come out and perform because I know this is an important job interview,” Barnett said. “A lot of people would die to be here and I was like ‘I’ve got to make the most of the opportunity that I’ve got.’ I just grinded it out and came out here and did my best.”

Barnett also shined in various drills that showcased his motor, agility and ability to drop back in coverage.

“He’s got lower-body explosion and he’s stout against the run,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said about Barnett.

NFL analysts Bucky Brooks and Lance Zierlein also had praise for Barnett’s skills as a pass rusher.

“You are talking about a karate fighter, a judo fighter,” Zierlein said. “When you talk about his balance, his track to the quarterback is the most efficient track to the quarterback of anybody in this draft.”

Brooks added that Barnett “might be the best pure pass rusher in this draft.”

“He, to me, is Mr. Miyagi,” Brooks said. “You talk about ‘wax on, wax of.’ His ability to control you with his hands, it’s unparalleled.”

Reeves-Maybin did not participate in any of the highlighted events, but he did take part in several linebacker drills. Reeves-Maybin was able to display his athleticism, ball skills and football smarts for scouts in those drills.

VFL Cameron Sutton is the next former Vol to take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine. Sutton and the defensive backs will compete on Monday.

Vols At The 2017 NFL Scouting Combine

March 3: RB Alvin Kamara – 40-Yard Dash: 4.56 | Bench: 15 | Vertical: 39.5 | Broad Jump: 10’11”

March 4: QB Joshua Dobbs – 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 | Vertical: 33.0 | Broad Jump: 10’2″ | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.31
WR Josh Malone – 40-Yard Dash: 4.40 | Bench: 10 | Vertical: 30.5 | Broad Jump: 10’1′ | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.19 | 60-yard shuttle: 11.77

March 5: DL Derek Barnett – 40-yard Dash: 4.88 | Vertical: 31.0 | Broad Jump: 9’9″ | 3-cone Drill: 6.96 | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.44
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

March 6: DB Cameron Sutton