Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Giants Receive Low Mark in 2017 NFL Draft First Round Grades

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 32
Next
New York Giants
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Derek Barnett (Tennessee) is selected as the number 14 overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Eagles. DEREK BARNETT. B. . DE

The Eagles are making this pick courtesy of the Sam Bradford trade last season. With the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett.

The Eagles needed some help on their pass rush and acquired it with Barnett. Barnett is one of the better pass rushers in this year’s class so he should help out the Eagles right away. He gives the Eagles a bookend pass rusher to join Brandon Graham.

Barnett was very productive with the Volunteers in his career. He finished his college career with 52 tackles for loss and 33 sacks, which broke Reggie White’s school record. Barnett is no slouch against the run either, as he will help in that area as well.

The versatility that he brings to the table will be nice too. He can play on either side of the defensive line. The Eagles had arguably more pressing needs at cornerback and running back, but there wasn’t much value to match their spot in the draft.

Barnett does fill a need as well. While defensive end may not have been atop that list, the Eagles did well getting another player that can help pressure the quarterback with some turnover occurring on their defensive line.

Teape’s Pick Grade: B

Home/New York Giants