2017 NFL Draft Big Board: Here are your top-10 edge prospects
By Dan Dahlke
5. Derek Barnett, Tennessee (6-3, 265) — Film Grade: 82.0
Quick Take: Barnett’s college production is eye-popping. As a three-year starter, he set a school record in sacks with 33, while also recording 52 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hurries.
Barnett is a flat-out playmaker on the edge, and this should hold considerable weight in draft war rooms this spring. However, as a next-level prospect, Barnett doesn’t hit the entire checklist as an edge player.
He’s an average athlete with some limitations in space. He’s not a guy teams will want dropping in coverage. His lateral movement and change of direction ability are a bit labored, and this could minimize his impact at the next level.
He does possess some straight-line explosiveness, and he uses his length and hands well to disengage from blocks to get free and create pressure. Teams running a 3-4 scheme may not value him as high because he’s best rushing from a three-point stance.