NFL Analyst impressed by Derek Barnett’s pass coverage — wait, what?

Derek Barnett

NFL analyst Mike Mayock has been watching film on Tennessee superstar defensive end Derek Barnett — who will likely [definitely] enter the upcoming NFL Draft in April — and discovered a play of him covering a receiver on a fade route 24 yards downfield.

Barnett has continually proven he’s a “premier edge guy” since he first stepped on campus in 2014. Bruce Feldman agrees.

The latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus has the Chicago Bears drafting Barnett with the No. 4 pick.

4. Chicago Bears: Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee

While Barnett may not have the classic edge rusher look that Garrett possesses, the two true juniors have had similar production since coming into the SEC in 2014. Barnett is strong against the run and his 92.3 pass-rush grade ranked second among edge defenders. Even in Chicago’s 3-4 scheme, there’s room for Barnett to play some outside linebacker on the edge while rushing the passer in subpackages. Even with Chicago spending their first-round pick on edge defender Leonard Floyd last year, they shouldn’t shy away from Barnett who adds even more potential star power to the front-seven.

The recent Walter Football mock draft has the Saints drafting Barnett with the No. 8 pick. Know of any other recent draft projections for Derek Barnett? Leave them in the comments below.

Freak

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8 responses to “NFL Analyst impressed by Derek Barnett’s pass coverage — wait, what?”

    • No kidding hmhawk. He’s been a bright spot this year. Barnett is one of those special players that doesn’t come around very often. I’m hoping he breaks the Tennessee sack record in the bowl game.

      Thanks for the comment.

      • I hope he skip’s the bowl and get ready to sit back and count his MILLIONS, if it was the playoff’s then play look at Jaylen Smith of ND LAST YEAR top 3 draft pick the Cowboys took him in the early second round the Cowboy’s team Doctor’s dont think he will every play so by playing in the Bowl it cost him at least 40 to 50 million by his second contract it’s just a matter of time before the elite skip’s there junior season, i don’t like it but if you were a top 15 draft pick you know by your second contact you would get at least 25 million why take the risk i would like to see about 5 or 6 of Bama’s top player’s skip there junior season boy the look on NICK’S face.

        • Terry, Terry, Terry. Where do I begin? You’re not supposed to HOPE he skips the bowl game. lol. Besides, from what I know about Barnett, there’s no chance he’s sitting out.

          Thanks for the comment.

  2. He will be missed very much, on the hill! He is a true VFL and him declaring early will not tarnish his name, whatsoever. However, I don’t see the Bears drafting him at number four. The Bears drafted Leonard Floyd last year and they really need a quarterback for the future!