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Philadelphia Eagles host Derek Barnett for pre-draft visit, per report

By Ryan Quigley

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles hosted Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett for a pre-draft visit on Monday, according to a report.

As the 2017 NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to bring in prospects for pre-draft visits. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team hosted Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett on Monday.

Barnett is one of the top defensive prospects of this year’s draft class. In three seasons at Tennessee, he broke the school’s sack record previously held by Reggie White in one less year of collegiate play. That’s kind of impressive.

Here is a scouting report on Barnett, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Championship hand fighter on college level. Hands are strong, fast, efficient and lethal. Punch-and-discard winner. As rusher, swats are well-timed discarding tackle’s punch attempt. Attacks the edge with good forward lean and works hands and feet in harmony on road to the quarterback. Uses jab steps and lateral movement to search for the edge of the blocker. Has leverage and strength to play right through redirects. Elite production on par with former Vol and Hall of Famer Reggie White against run and as sack artist. 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. Rag-dolls tight ends at point of attack. Plus field awareness recognizing play-action, reverses, and screens. Fluid enough to drop into space and play some zone.WEAKNESSES: Admitted slow starter who has had issues with sluggishness to start a season. Will overthink it at times rather than just reacting. Can be undisciplined with guessing snap count and taking penalties. Change-of-direction issues typical of a broad-waisted big man. Struggles to redirect movements suddenly once momentum starts rolling downhill. Quarterbacks with pocket mobility can elude him. Substantially more twitch in hands than in feet. 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? Loops to quarterback are rounded and might need a winning, inside counter move as a pro."

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The Eagles already have Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry on the edge, but Curry has disappointed since signing a five-year, $47.5 million contract last offseason. Despite the addition of Chris Long, Barnett would likely see a fair amount of snaps as a rookie if the Eagles chose him with their No. 14 overall selection.

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