The Philadelphia Eagles selected Derek Barnett with the 14th pick in the 2017 NFL draft
The Eagles ended up with one of the most successful college football players in SEC history with their 14th overall pick. Barnett is a big pass rush rusher. He does not win with speed or athleticism, but he has a great dip move and a great swim move.
He plays really smart and it led to his great college success. Barnett is of a similar size as Brandon Graham, and the two play a similar style. The two can play with each other, and the Eagles can rotate in Vinny Curry and Chris Long and it looks like they have formed a stable rotation up front. Jim Schwartz has always won with his big defensive fronts, and he now has all of the weapons to win in that area.
This is a really deep cornerback class. While the team needed corner, or some offensive help, completing a position so vital to their scheme comes off as a good pick. There is a question as to whether or not Barnett has the highest ceiling of the pass rushers available, but a stronger argument can be made that he has the lowest floor of the group. Being so technically sound it is hard to see him not having some sort of impact, even if it is just in a pass rushing role.
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Some may see it as a boring pick, and it will not get much publicity this weekend, but it could be a great fit and the addition of a player who can take snaps right away, and give the team an added pass rush from the outside, with some solid run support. Not too flashy, but not a bad pick in the least.
First Round Grade: B