Derek Barnett named to 2017 PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team

The Professional Football Writers of America officially announced their 2017 NFL All-Rookie Team this week.

Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Derek Barnett made the list.

Barnett played 41% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps as a rookie. He finished the 2017 season with 21 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown. Barnett was also credited with two blocked kicks on the year.

All told, Barnett had a pretty good rookie season. His future outlook is very bright. Barnett doesn’t turn 22 until June so he’s hardly reached his ceiling. His playing time will increase in coming seasons as he continues to add strength and experience.

The timing of this PFWA recognition for Barnett is funny given the Eagles’ opponent this week. Philadelphia used the first-round pick they received from the Vikings in the Sam Bradford trade in order to select Barnett at No. 14 in the 2017 NFL Draft. I’m totally imagining a scenario where the Eagles clinch a Super Bowl berth thanks to Barnett strip-sacking Case Keenum on the final play of Sunday’s game.

No Eagles rookies were snubbed from the PFWA list, other than arguably Jake Elliott at kicker.