NFL Draft Thread

[Rey]

Here's Greg Cosell's take on Barnett; Cosell's on of the best in the biz at evaluating talent:

"Eagles selected Tennessee DE Derek Barnett with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

Barnett (6’3/259) made 36 starts in three seasons, tallying 52 tackles for loss and breaking Reggie White’s school record for sacks (33). He earned first-team All-America honors in 2016. As Barnett won’t turn 21 until June, his incredible production came at ages 18-20 in the SEC. PFF College gave Barnett a higher pass-rush rating than Myles Garrett last season. While Barnett lacks a dynamic get-off, his insatiable and relentless motor, edge bend, ability to hand fight and win with power, and bone-crunching takedown skills give Barnett a high floor as a three-down defender. NFL Films’ Greg Cosell has compared Barnett to Vikings DE Everson Griffen."

*** I didn't realize Barnett is only 20 years old. I think this kid is a well rounded End who still has growth potential. I've watched a good bit of film on him and I have seen plenty of good plays all over the field. If you watch enough film on any of these prospects you will find negative tape if that's what you are looking for. As good as Myles Garrett is, there is a bunch of tape where he was completely taken out of the game by non-NFL college Tackles. At just 20 years old Barnett will continue to get stronger and get you 8-10 sacks per year, consistent pressure and tackles for loss while being very stout against the run. Yes you can get pass rushers later, but the difference is that in Barnett you get an every down / every situation player. Some of those non-first round guys may be good at one thing or another, but not the total package (edge rusher, bull rusher, edge setter and run stuffer). Barnett can be "all" those things unlike a Charles Harris who has better "get-off" but gets blasted of the ball if run at.

 

[ctc]

If Barnett turns out to be average or bust it'll be Howie's pick.

If he'a solid productive player he'll be Douglas' pick.

Book it.

 

[Iggloo]

Barnett is a solid and relatively safe pick. He went right around where he was expected to go, and fills a need for us. He wasn't drafted high due to workout numbers like some of our past DEs. He was very productive in the best conference in college.

I worry Jonathan Allen may be a star and we passed him up, but so did a lot of people due to his shoulder issues.

 

[Iggloo]

If Barnett turns out to be average or bust it'll be Howie's pick.

If he'a solid productive player he'll be Douglas' pick.

Book it.

He definitely sounds like a Douglas pick. He keeps getting compared to Suggs by the Eagles.

 

[old duke]

What are ya confused about? My sarcasm? I think I made it quite clear, that I do
not like the pick. I don't think he will be a bad player I see a 7-8 sacks per year on average guy. My problem is you could have gotten that kind of player in rd 2. Period.

Yes. I agree. We lead the league in DE's, and none are dynamic (Graham is real good). I wanted Foster, Conley, or Howard at that spot.

 

[Iggloo]

I feel like from a position standpoint, we were wise to take a pass rusher when we did, as a lot of them went off the board shortly afterward.

If we can get a good cover corner in this next round, which seems quite possible, we will have markedly improved our defense. Not a home run perhaps, but solid additions.

I'd wait until the third round to take a running back.

 

[Rey]

If you look at "impact plays on tape" ... meaning sacks/tackles for loss/pressures ... there are very few players who can hold a candle to what Barnett did. You can find negative tape /bad games on anyone if you want. If I knew how to make videos I could make Myles Garrett look like the worst first round pick of all time. So what I concentrate on is how much "good tape" you can find on a player and Barnett has a ton of it. My theory and it's just a "theory" is that the Eagles wanted to get Wentz a play maker at WR or Christian McCaffrey. The 3 top WR's on the board all incredibly went by pick 10 while McCaffrey went at 8. Lattimore is another player who I think would have been the pick if he slipped down a couple more spots. I don't believe Barnett was the first option for the Eagles at 14, but how the draft shook out with players available at 14, I'm perfectly fine with Barnett.

 

[eaglesnut]

Yes, and now that has to be another need pick. Why did we sign Chris Long?

Backup inside and backup outside.

Too much defensive line isn't a thing.

 

[eaglesnut]

I'm still shocked that so many offensive players went off the board so fast. I really thought we would have much better options than we did at 14. 3 WR's by pick 9?? 1/3 of the picks, WR's?? crazy.

The offensive players in the 2nd round kind of suck, especially at the top of the round. Loaded with good defenders though. I understand what happened last night, the top teams targeted the top offensive guys before a big drop off. They know they'll get top 20 talent at defense in the 2nd round.

 

[eaglesnut]

What are ya confused about? My sarcasm? I think I made it quite clear, that I do
not like the pick. I don't think he will be a bad player I see a 7-8 sacks per year on average guy. My problem is you could have gotten that kind of player in rd 2. Period.

You'll learn that's there is more to pass rushing than being the first guy moving. I honestly thought of you first when I was studying Harris and Barnett back to back. Barnett is going to be great. Our Dline is going to be nasty.

 

[eaglesnut]

Barnett is a solid and relatively safe pick. He went right around where he was expected to go, and fills a need for us. He wasn't drafted high due to workout numbers like some of our past DEs. He was very productive in the best conference in college.

I worry Jonathan Allen may be a star and we passed him up, but so did a lot of people due to his shoulder issues.

The rest of the division really helped themselves. Defensive line is the way to go. Eli had been dying for a TE to throw to as well.

 

[eaglesnut]

I feel like from a position standpoint, we were wise to take a pass rusher when we did, as a lot of them went off the board shortly afterward.

If we can get a good cover corner in this next round, which seems quite possible, we will have markedly improved our defense. Not a home run perhaps, but solid additions.

I'd wait until the third round to take a running back.

Top 5 defense if #43 can play some solid corner for us.

 

[Orlando Eagles]

If you look at "impact plays on tape" ... meaning sacks/tackles for loss/pressures ... there are very few players who can hold a candle to what Barnett did. You can find negative tape /bad games on anyone if you want. If I knew how to make videos I could make Myles Garrett look like the worst first round pick of all time. So what I concentrate on is how much "good tape" you can find on a player and Barnett has a ton of it. My theory and it's just a "theory" is that the Eagles wanted to get Wentz a play maker at WR or Christian McCaffrey. The 3 top WR's on the board all incredibly went by pick 10 while McCaffrey went at 8. Lattimore is another player who I think would have been the pick if he slipped down a couple more spots. I don't believe Barnett was the first option for the Eagles at 14, but how the draft shook out with players available at 14, I'm perfectly fine with Barnett.

This was exactly my thought when I saw the pick. That was the BPA for need at that spot. CB has more depth and hopefully we can pull better than serviceable. But with the depth it's possible. We were clearly staying clear of Conley. Howard had question marks imo. Cook as well. As high as I was on him he was not mid round pick when there is more RB talent later.

While there is LOTS of hyperbole and bold statements on such a night when it's all about promise there is something nice about a guy mentioned with Reggie going to the Eagles. I'm good with this pick. Teams are built through drafts, not a draft.

 

[PhillyGreen]

Backup inside and backup outside.

Too much defensive line isn't a thing.

Exactly.....I bet the Falcons wish they had more lineman.

 

[Iggloo]

The rest of the division really helped themselves. Defensive line is the way to go. Eli had been dying for a TE to throw to as well.

Eli still has a swiss cheese o-line though. He has huge weapons but is going to be under pressure all year.

 

[eaglesnut]

Eli still has a swiss cheese o-line though. He has huge weapons but is going to be under pressure all year.

I agree, but the Oline talent is really weak. TEs take a while to develop usually too, so this way Eli will get some overlap prime years with the kid.

 

[Iggloo]

I don't disagree with you on the pick itself, just saying the Giants are still not that scary to me despite their additions this offseason.

Realistically the Eagles will compete in the division but it is going to be a very tough division this season, and they are probably another year or two away from serious contention.

 

[Roy Munson]

I don't disagree with you on the pick itself, just saying the Giants are still not that scary to me despite their additions this offseason.

Realistically the Eagles will compete in the division but it is going to be a very tough division this season, and they are probably another year or two away from serious contention.

Its what we get for the Chip Kelly mistake...

 

[mall3013]

Barnett was all Douglas and I love this pick. This line will resemble the great Ravens Dline from past years. The scary part is Barnett is only 20 yrs old. He is only going to get better and stronger. Schwartz is going to have a wet dream with this line guys. Still don't get the hate. I know it's Philly and booing is typical, but geez let the kid play before making judgement. It's also not fair to compare him to Reggie like I know many people will. I understand they both played the same position and went to the same school. Nobody imo will ever compare to Reggie. However, Barnett imo will become a very solid player in this defense. I think he will be the best 4-3 DE in this draft. That is my prediction.

 

[iceman42]

I liked Foster but if this is true that would have been a huge risk @14