Derrick Barnes 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Derrick Barnes

Position: Linebacker

College: Purdue

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 238 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 99 overall

Position Rank: LB9

Strengths: Derrick Barnes demonstrated versatility in his time at Purdue and NFL teams will like that there’s tape of him playing off-ball linebacker and as a defensive end with his hand in the dirt. Barnes plays with excellent power and a nasty attitude. He won’t back down from the physicality of playing in the box and brings impressive overall athleticism. He’s got the sort of frame and explosiveness that NFL teams want, including a finisher’s mentality that locks on to targets and increases his speed into and through the contact point. Barnes fits flow well and keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage as long as possible while maintaining gap integrity. There’s no doubt he can come in on Day 1 and be a valuable special teams contributor.

Weaknesses: Barnes has long arms but doesn’t use them in block destruction nearly as often as you’d prefer. He’s too content with allowing defenders to get inside his frame. As an athletic tester, Barnes did well. However, those athletic traits don’t always show up on film and, as a result, he can get a little caught up in the wash. Coverage may be a concern early on as Barnes starts to learn the tricks that keep him in-phase against more athletic backs and tight ends. He doesn’t have the length to get grabby and doesn’t have the hip mobility to change directions with suddenness in the open field. An NFL team may have to protect him with scheme early on and keep him in the box going north and south only.

What I Love: As a run defender, Barnes will fill downhill without hesitation and hits the snot out of people.

NFL Comparison: Anthony Walker

Grade: 75/100

Position Specific Traits:

(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: ++

Football IQ/Instincts: ++

Pass Coverage: +

Pass Rush: ++

Run Defense: +++

Tackling: ++