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Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett

By Carlos Nazario

Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) throws the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) throws the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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In our latest look at possible Chicago Bears draft prospects, we take a look at Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett.

The Chicago Bears are expected to strengthen their defense through the draft this year. The franchise has a long history of great defensive players, and fans want to see the old “Monsters of the Midway” return.

While many expect the Bears to look at Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen with the third pick, that choice looks less and less likely. He had two surgeries on his shoulders, and word came out of the NFL Combine that those shoulders now have early signs of arthritis. Allen is still great, but some draft analysts see him now as more of a mid-first round prospect instead of a top-three prospect.

One of the prospects rising after the NFL Combine is Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett. Barnett is the first Volunteer defensive lineman to start as a true freshman. He started in all three of his seasons. He finished as one of the most prolific defensive players in Volunteers history, recording 198 tackles (52 for loss) and 33 sacks. The sack total broke Reggie White’s Tennessee school record.

Barnett’s hands are elite. They are fast, and they are strong. He has a quick and powerful punch, which helps him create separation. He can swat a blocker’s punch attempt away and get to the quarterback quickly.

Barnett is a hard worker with good lateral movement. He uses that effectively to get in on the action, wanting to get in on just about every play. He is a hustle player who pursues well. His instincts are great. He figures out trick plays, screens and misdirections quickly. He has great flexibility, which allows him to dip under blockers and get to the man with the ball. When he gets there, he is a devastating tackler.

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Barnett plays with great intensity on the field. His teammates feed off that intensity. He doesn’t do much talking, however. He prefers to let his play do the talking, something NFL coaches love.

Barnett isn’t an elite athlete.He won’t blow anyone away at the snap. He depends on his superior hands and great awareness to help him beat his man. His instincts and his great technique make him an effective player His high motor and intensity also help him become a top-ten NFL prospect. While other players get the attention-grabbing headlines, Barnett just goes in and does his job.

I like Barnett and his intense play. The Chicago Bears need players like him on their defense. There aren’t too many of the high motor, intense players on the current roster. There’s too much unemotional, listless play. As I mentioned earlier, the Monsters need to be unleashed onto the NFL again.

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With that being said, I still don’t think he is a fit with the Bears. He played in a 4-3 system at Tennessee, and I’m not sure he’ll have the same success playing in a 3-4 scheme. The talent in the NFL is elite, and he needs to be a little more athletic to do well in the Bears’ system. He should stay in a 4-3 scheme. If he does, I believe he’ll be successful in the NFL.

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