2017 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles final grade
How did the Philadelphia Eagles fare in the 2017 NFL Draft? Let’s read on and find out.
The NFL draft has come and gone and now it is time for review. Of course, it will be easier to look back in a few years and really find out how these players fit and transitioned to their new roles. But as a whole, you can understand team philosophies and processes which deserve to be examined upon first glance. With that said, here is the Philadelphia Eagles final grade.
Derek Barnett
Edge, Tennessee
The Eagles went all-in on their first round pick last year. This year they went for a high floor over high ceiling with the selection of Derek Barnett. Barnett is a professional pass rusher. He knows exactly what he is doing off of the edge, and has a pro dip move that gives him the ability to slip below offensive lineman.
He also has quick and heavy hands to keep himself clean from offensive linemen when trying to win with power. Having a pass rusher with a plan of attack and moves to get around the edge is key. The issue with Barnett is how athletically gifted he is. He did not necessarily blow up the combine, and may not have the speed or the tape to be a consistent ten sack per year player. He actually profiles very similarly to Brandon Graham and could wind up with a similar type of career.
For now, it will be Graham and Barnett rushing together. The team added Chris Long and already has Vinny Curry, and the four should make up the Eagles four-man edge rotation. It is a good scheme fit and with Jim Schwartz, who prides himself on winning up front, the Eagles are officially ready to do that on the edge in 2017.