Former NFL scout and current NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks, who recently raved about the addition of defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, offered high praise for the Eagles' top draft pick.
In projecting an All-Rookie Team for NFL.com, Brooks included defensive end Derek Barnett on his squad.
"The crafty pass rusher falls into a Wide-9 scheme that is a perfect fit for his skills," Brooks wrote. "Barnett could lead all rookies in sacks as an exceptional hand-to-hand combat specialist."
The No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Barnett set a new school record at Tennessee with 33 career sacks, surpassing the previous record of 32 set by Pro Football Hall of Famer and Eagles legend Reggie White. Barnett was the first true freshman to start along the defensive line in school history. He earned first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press as a junior in 2016 after registering a career-high 13.0 sacks with 56.0 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, 16 hurries, and 2 forced fumbles.
In another poll of NFL.com analysts, Barnett ranked fourth among hopefuls for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
