NFL draft: Tennessee Vols' Derek Barnett selected No. 14 by Philadelphia Eagles
Derek Barnett wanted his production to speak for itself when it came to the NFL draft.
The former Tennessee defensive end knew he didn’t possess the freakish athleticism or combine workout numbers of some other prospects.
But Barnett felt his work ethic and technique made him a valuable selection.
The Philadelphia Eagles agreed.
To roars from the local crowd, the Eagles selected Barnett with the No. 14 pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
The former Brentwood Academy standout was selected by the same organization as the late, great Reggie White, whose Tennessee career sacks record Barnett broke last season. The Eagles selected White fourth overall out of UT in the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft.
“It’s crazy. It’s ironic,” Barnett told Deion Sanders of the NFL Network. “But, you know what I’m saying, I am just getting started and I haven’t event scratched my surface yet, my talent level, and I am ready to get to work with a great organization. I can’t wait.”
Tennessee coach Butch Jones was in attendance with Barnett at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Barnett is the 12th defensive lineman in UT history drafted in the first round, and first since Dan Williams in 2010. Barnett is the first UT player at any position selected in the first round since Ja’Wuan James in 2014.
Read more:
How Twitter reacted to Eagles drafting Tennessee's Derek Barnett
The NFL draft's craziness began with the Bears, and it kept on going
NFL draft tracker 2017: First-round picks, analysis
Barnett eclipsed White’s record as UT’s all-time leader in sacks by notching his 33rd in the final game of his college career against Nebraska at the Music City Bowl in his hometown of Nashville.
Of his program-record 33 sacks, 29 came against SEC opponents. The consensus All-American is the only player in SEC history to record 10 or more sacks in three consecutive seasons.
Barnett finished his UT career with 197 total tackles and 52 tackles for loss, which ranks second in UT history behind Leonard Little’s record of 53.
He also accumulated 31 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, six pass breakups and one interception.
“I love the energy. I love the toughness. People either loved him or they didn’t like him because he didn’t have the explosive measurables in the combine,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “But I think his tape is too good and I think the city of Philadelphia is going to love him.”
On Wednesday, Barnett released an “NFL Draft Cover Letter” on the Players’ Tribune explaining to NFL general managers and coaches why he would be the best pick for their team.
He cited his intense study habits, his devotion to team goals and his drive to win a Super Bowl.
Barnett credited his mom for his work ethic, having watched her hold down multiple jobs to provide for him and give him the opportunity to play football.
Although being drafted will allow Barnett to help his mom financially, Barnett said she already told him she plans to keep her job working at a UPS warehouse “on her feet, sweating, sorting packages on a tight deadline.”
“Working hard is not optional — it’s in my DNA,” Barnett wrote.
After Sanders reminded Barnett about the intensity of Philadelphia fans, he was ready to embrace the challenge.
“I am going to live up to their expectations,” Barnett said. “I am going to come in and play my role and I am going to get after the quarterback.”
Read more:
New Eagle Derek Barnett has the pedigree and is 'tough as nails'
In Derek Barnett, the Eagles got a football player, not a prospect