Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Watch: 2017 Pass Rusher Preview

Derek Barnett EDGE, Tennessee

Strengths

• Elite Speed Rusher, compliments excellent snap anticipation with an explosive get-off
• Fantastic Bend/Flexibility Off the Edge, can turn the corner and flatten his path to the QB
• Low Leverage and Balance, keeps a low center of gravity to dip under OTs and close on QB
• Quickness to split blocks

Weaknesses

• Little Pass Rush creativity, relies on Speed Rush
• Little upper body strength, struggles to work down LOS in run game
• Trouble setting the edge in run defense

Highlight

Fit

While Barnett certainly has his struggles in the run game, he could certainly help rejuvenate the Steelers pass rush. Barnett is arguably the best speed rusher in the nation, and has racked up 9 sacks on the season. In fact, Barnett has dominated SEC competition throughout his entire career, compiling 47.5 tackles for loss and 28 sacks.

Barnett primarily plays with his hand in the dirt from a wide 9-technique for Tennessee. However, Barnett also has experience as a stand-up OLB, which would most likely be his position for the Steelers.

Unfortunately, most mock drafts have Barnett off the board within the first 15 selections. However, some prospects seem to fall every draft, and Steeler Nation will certainly be hoping that this is the case with Derek Barnett.