Derek Barnett

strengths

Stout body type with broad shoulders and well-distributed mass. Natural flexibility to dip, stay low and get underneath blockers. Great snap anticipation to time up his get-off. Not an elite speed rusher, but controls his momentum well in short spaces to make stops. Flashes violence in his hands to free himself from blocks. Uses body position and pad level to leverage blocks. Persistent effort in pursuit to chase down ballcarriers from the backside. Extremely alert football player with above average run awareness, seeing through blockers to locate the ball. Smart reads to disrupt throwing lanes, knocking down five passes in 2016 and notching his first interception. Some experience standing up and dropping in space. Not a vocal leader, but teammates feed off his relentless energy and intense playing temperament -- the type of intangibles that will draw him to NFL coaches. Durable and highly productive with double-digit sacks all three seasons in Knoxville, breaking Reggie White's school record for career sacks (33.0) -- also tallied 52.0 tackles for loss over 36 starts.

nfl comparison

Robert Ayers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

weaknesses

Can bend off the edge with his flexibility, but lacks explosive twitch to win the corner on athleticism alone. Initial quickness based more on timing than burst, leading to offsides penalties or late movements out of his stance when he misreads the snap. Pass rush repertoire lacks variety and hand usage mid-rush still a work-in-progress. Aggressive play style will lead to missed tackles in the open field. Needs to improve his break down skills. Tight-hipped in space and has limited potential as a stand-up player.

similar to another former tennessee product, barnett doesn't have dominant athletic traits, but he understands how to be productive with his ball awareness and technique.

--Dane Brugler (1/22/17)

Lettered at Brentwood Academy, in Brentwood, Tenn. for coach Cody White.

247 Sports: 4-star (No. 12 strong side defensive end, No. 5 prospect in Tenn.) .

ESPN: 4-star (No. 25 defensive end, No. 6 prospect in Tenn.) .

Rivals: 4-star (No. 10 defensive end, No. 5 prospect in Tenn.) .

Scout: 4-star (No. 27 defensive end) .

Back-to-back Division 2, Class AA Tennessee Mr. Football winner (2012, 2013) .

Received All-Midstate honors as a senior .

2013 TSWA All-State selection .

All-Division II-AA Defensive Line .

As a senior, recorded 60 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble .

Helped Brentwood Academy Eagles to a 9-4 record and state semifinal berth .

Also had 141 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and three rushing touchdowns in senior year

Full Name: Derek Anthony Barnett.

Born: June 25, 1996.

Son of Christine Barnett.

Majoring in Communication Studies.

Recipient of the Charlotte Greene Athletic Scholarship

2016