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Cleveland Browns Draft Profile: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Derek Barnett goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Derek Barnett goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

What jumps out on film for Derek Barnett is his ability to use his hands to swat away linemen and seal the edge. A strong tackler, the defender can play the run very well even if he is most well-known for his strong pass-rush skills.

Barnett’s aggressiveness is also an asset the Browns would be happy to have, as is detailed in his NFL.com draft profile:

"Not content to just set the edge — wants to make the play. Uses hand fighting and play strength to work through leverage points. Long strider who can crash down the line to challenge gap plays if unblocked. Punishing hitter. Delivers crushing tackles and sacks when given the opportunity. Hustle player who pursues the play with intent.Not content to just set the edge — wants to make the play. Uses hand fighting and play strength to work through leverage points. Long strider who can crash down the line to challenge gap plays if unblocked. Punishing hitter. Delivers crushing tackles and sacks when given the opportunity. Hustle player who pursues the play with intent."

Barnett leaves little to be desired, but if anything is worth mentioning it is how he can be slow to adjust, especially at the beginning of a season. The player himself has admitted that he often has sluggish starts to seasons, not peaking until the very end. While this is when players want to peak, it can be frustrating for fans to have a player seem a bit lost for the entire first half of every season.

Barnett sometimes overthinks adjustments and fails to trust his instincts and react. Fortunately, this is reversible.

Physically, some of his other weaknesses are detailed by the report:

"Feet are average. Initial burst upfield is average. Times snap count to help with his get-off. Aggressive forward charge opens him up to cut blocks. Long stride creates base inconsistencies at point of attack. Length is a concern. Can he still win without decisive, early victories with his hands?Feet are average. Initial burst upfield is average. Times snap count to help with his get-off. Aggressive forward charge opens him up to cut blocks. Long stride creates base inconsistencies at point of attack. Length is a concern. Can he still win without decisive, early victories with his hands?"

Also, Barnett is 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, below-average for an NFL defensive lineman. Even though he should be able to put on some weight and gain some strength before the beginning of his rookie season, the smaller frame of Barnett is a bit concerning to NFL scouts.

This could, however, lead to a possible position change which could allow Barnett to thrive even more. Putting him on the outside at the linebacker position of a 3-4 defense would allow him to maximize his pass-rushing skills and create more open space, avoiding the possibility of being manhandled by 300+ pound offensive linemen.

Overall, Barnett’s hands, speed, discipline, and awareness on the football field make him an exceptional prospect. If the right role is found for him, Barnett could be a special talent at the NFL level.

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