2017 NFL Draft Profile: Derek Barnett

Derek Barnett, Tennessee
6-3, 259
Barnett was a three year player for the Tennessee Volunteers, and was the first freshman to ever start on a Vol defensive line. He was named All-SEC all three years he played at Tennessee, and was a first team All-American as a junior in his final season.
As a freshman, Barnett wrecked the opposition by totaling 72 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 10 sacks. He added eight QB hurries as well.
As a sophomore, He saw some stats dip a bit. He totaled 69 tackles, but finished with just 12.5 TFLs and 10 sacks. He added seven QB hurries to the totals in 13 games.
As a junior, he finished with 56 tackles, again, a dip, and added 19.5 TFLs to go with 13 sacks, five PBUs, 16 QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.
The Good
Barnett is another freakish athlete, with all of the tangibles you require, including lightning fast hands.
Technique off the edge is incredible, and uses swim move very effectively.
Knows how to get around a blocker and get to the flank to get rid of him.
He is an attacker who keeps working until he gets to his target.
Equally as effective against the run as he is at getting to the QB.
If you do not get a body on hi, he will destroy your play.
Destroys with his tackles, hits with severe violence.
Reads offenses like a pro already, and knows how to adjust himself.
Can drop back into zone if needed.
The Bad
Can be a bit wild and undisciplined on the field, and will cost you some penalties.
Guesses more than thinks at times.
Takes some time to warm up through the season, and has rarely been ready to go full effort on week one. Needs motivation.
Like a train, once he gets moving, he is not easy to readjust, and a scrambling QB with good presence can elude him.
Footwork is opposite of hand work, and needs some serious work.
Can be shoved around if he cannot immediately get separation from blockers.
Does not give you a lot of length.
Is a bit undersized for DE at the NFL level, and may have to learn to play edge rush OLB in a 3-4 defense.
Still needs to develop a move inside, and does not have a patented spin move down yet.
Not as strong as he is nasty and violent on the field.
Final Overview
Barnett is just plain nasty on film. He is one of the most productive college ends in the last 20 years, and that is where his bread is buttered. He does not match up to all of the measurables, and may have to work harder on the next level than a player like Garrett, but I happen t like him as much as I like Garrett, for production alone. He has some bad habits to break, and did not do great at the Senior Bowl or Combine but I think that those events are largely overrated. The proof is in the film. He has what it takes.