Can Derek Barnett Actually Help The Texans?
The Eagles finally gave up on Derek Barnett and it didn’t take long for the former first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to find a new home. Barnett was claimed by the Texans but can he actually help what Houston is building? Let’s talk about it.
Barnett, 27, has mostly just been buried on the depth chart in Philadelphia. The Eagles are so loaded with talent that Barnett never really got on the field. That was half the problem. Plus, Barnett really hasn’t lived up to the hype when he first got drafted out of Tennessee. Not that Barnett is a total bust, but I had him ranked much lower than the consensus coming out of college.
Barnett’s best year in Philly came in 2019 when he notched 6.5 sacks. He has two other seasons with at least five sacks. This is just me but I think part of the problem is that he doesn’t have a ton of rare athleticism. Barnett ran a 4.88 at the combine and the longer time goes on the more he can’t afford to lose a step.
Can Barnett help the cause in Houston? I believe so but it will be about expectations. The Texans are desperate for pass rushing depth and Barnett can provide that. He’s a much safer bet than when Houston also claimed Myjai Sanders earlier this season. Barnett can be the vet in the room behind Will Anderson and Jonathan Greenard to hunt in key pass rushing downs. If nothing else, it’s worth a flier for a Texans team that’s already exceeded expectations.
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