Derek Barnett, defensive end, Tennessee
Derek Barnett was one of the most ferocious pass-rushers, and defensive ends in general, in college football last year. So it makes sense that he declared for the 2017 NFL Draft. In 13 games, he notched 56 tackles (40 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
His sack total was the fifth-best in the nation for 2016.
Again, it makes sense that Barnett wanted to test his skills in the NFL. But one has to wonder what he could have done in his senior season at Tennessee. Not only that, but when discussing pass rushers in this draft, Texas A&M Myles Garrett really is the end-all, be-all. He’s almost certainly the top pick in this draft, and he’s without a doubt an elite edge defender.
That’s not to say Barnett can’t live up to those same expectations. But if he chose to go back to Tennessee for his senior season, put up another huge year and then entered the 2018 draft, perhaps he’d be in Garrett’s shoes as an elite, No. 1 pick-worthy edge rusher.
Most NFL teams don’t flinch when talking either a quarterback or a defensive end No. 1 overall. Barnett still projects to be a high draft pick, but he could have been the big dog in 2018.