Tennessee Vols: ESPN Makes Depth Chart Prediction For Derek Barnett

Former Tennessee Vols defensive end Derek Barnett is hoping to have a productive rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles got a hell of a bargain when they selected former Tennessee Vols defensive end Derek Barnett with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Barnett is one of the most productive defensive ends in SEC history — and the most productive defensive end ever at Tennessee — which is why it was a surprise that fell to the 14th pick.

The Eagles weren’t exactly desperate for pass rushing help, but Barnett was too good of a player to pass on him.

Now that Barnett is a member of the Eagles, the next question is “How much will be contribute as a rookie?”.

We already know that Brandon Graham will be be the starter on one side of the defensive line (likely the right side).

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Barnett will compete with veterans Vinny Curry and Chris Long to start at the other defensive end position.

Tim McManus, who covers the Eagles for ESPN, recently made his depth chart prediction for the Eagles and he thinks Barnett will start for Philly in 2017.

From ESPN:

"The first-round pick out of Tennessee will have to fend off Vinny Curry and Chris Long for the starting job. We’ll say he does."

All Barnett has done is produce. And there’s no reason to expect that to change at the next level.

Barnett is a fearless competitor. I don’t care how fast he runs, or how much he weighs — he gets the job done, and he gets it done well.

Next: 2017 Game By Game Predictions For Vols

I don’t think Barnett is going to come out and set records as a rookie, but I do think he’ll be a very productive player for the Eagles and flash Pro-Bowl potential.

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