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Wait. What? Derek Barnett, the No. 14 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, better than Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick? Really? That’s what ESPN personality Mike Greenberg claims he’s heard about the Philadelphia Eagles’ new defensive end.
Multiple people I trust think Derek Barnett will be better than Myles Garrett. #Eagles
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 28, 2017
Now, this is pretty vague. Who are these people? NFL scouts? Coaches? Stephen A. Smith (oh boy)? Who knows for sure, but that’s pretty bold. And bold might be a generous term.
But maybe I can see where that argument, which I don’t necessarily agree with, would come from? Garrett was obviously the topic pick in this year’s class, and for good reason. He’s a freak athlete edge rusher. But when it comes to production, the numbers favor Barnett. Check out this NFL Network graphic (via r/Eagles).
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Numbers aren’t everything in college, but still ... that’s really impressive by Barnett. Again, this is the guy who broke Reggie White’s sack record at Tennessee. Teams may have passed less back then, which makes White’s record even more impressive, but c’mon. Being in company with arguably the best defensive player in NFL history is certainly not a bad thing.
I totally understand why some people might not be flat out excited about the Barnett pick, but I don’t get how people can get super angry about it. I know some may have wanted other players on the board such as Jonathan Allen, O.J. Howard, Reuben Foster, or Malik Hooker. But Barnett is pretty good, you guys. And he plays a premium position in the NFL.
More reactions to the Barnett pick below. Check out how experts graded the Eagles’ pick of Barnett by clicking here.
I’m pretty fine with the Derek Barnett pick for the Eagles. Not thrilling but it’s not terrible.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 28, 2017
Derek Barnett's legit - I know he's not crazy explosive off the edge, but keep in mind Terrell Suggs (who he's been comped to) ran like 4.9.
— Dan (@dklausner) April 28, 2017
Derek Barnett led the SEC in sacks (13), disrupted dropbacks (19) and pressures (69) last season, per ESPN Stats & Info.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 28, 2017
10+ sacks every year in college, including his true freshman season. Sure, he tries hard. That's good. But it's more than that. He can play. https://t.co/FWirbyM8dY
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) April 28, 2017
Not a really exciting pick, but also not one to be mad at. Need an edge to fully leverage Cox anyway. Maybe I can walk on at CB
— Brent / EaglesRewind (@EaglesRewind) April 28, 2017
Derek Barnett is a terrific choice for the Eagles. Loved Jonathan Allen, but shoulder concerns have dropped him.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 28, 2017
If you want to build a title team, you need a QB and guys that can get to the QB. Got Wentz last year. Added Barnett this year.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 28, 2017
DEs Eagles have taken in first 2 rounds since 1995: Mike Mamula, Jon Harris, Jerome McDougle, Victor Abiamiri, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) April 28, 2017
Barnett has a lot of developing to do but he's got some get off, v good anticipating snap, great bend. Pure speed rusher right now.
— Kyle (@IgglesNest) April 28, 2017
Howie Roseman effectively traded Sam Bradford for Derek Barnett.
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) April 28, 2017
I think this is a reach. #eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 28, 2017
Derek Barnett was the third best player overall in the draft according to Pro Football Focus. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 28, 2017
Eagles defense looking pretty good for 2017 pic.twitter.com/T3e4BdfNED
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) April 28, 2017
WOW play by Derek Barnett..RB motions and Barnett bumps out on WR-not planned !! Covers him 24 yds downfield vs fade- RARE..premier edge guy pic.twitter.com/MtkfxnIWng
— Mike Mayock (@MikeMayock) December 20, 2016
Philly approves. ✅#EaglesDraft pic.twitter.com/BK2jkmaToQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 28, 2017