10 Potential Philadelphia Eagles replacements for Derek Barnett in 2022
6. player. 808. . . . Drake Jackson, USC
You can’t ask for much more out of a freshman than what the USC Trojans got out of Drake Jackson in 2019. He looks the part, standing at six-foot-four inches tall and tipping the scales at 275 pounds. He also plays like he’s every bit the guy who was named The Press-Enterprise’s Defensive Player of the Year and the All-Big VIII League’s Co-MVP after a fine season of prep football as a senior at Corona, California’s Corona Centennial in 2018.
Things seemed to translate to the Pac-12 as he tallied 46 total tackles, including 11.5 that resulted in a loss of yardage, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Expect to see a spirited effort from him in 2021, as the Pac-12 won’t be playing any ball in 2020. Then, expect him to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft after his junior season.
5. player. 848. . . . George Karlaftis, Purdue
When you think about the Purdue Boilermakers these days, you probably think about basketball and some of the Pro Football Hall of Famers, both present and future, that have cut their teeth in this proud program (Rod Woodson, Drew Brees).
Occasionally, you can still find some gems. Think Ryan Kerrigan, Raheem Mostert, Dennis Kelly, and Ricardo Allen. One of these days, we might be talking about what George Karlaftis is doing in the NFL. Look for him to pop up on a few radars in 2021 as the Big Ten won’t be participating in football in 2020.