Barnett is also quick enough laterally that he can bring down ball carriers from space, often due to his ability to spot screen plays and disrupt blockers. That athleticism, at 6'3 and 259 pounds, provides versatility and he's able to switch to coverage should the occasion arise. While he was a 4-3-2 defensive end during his time in college With a bit of polish, his ability to change into an outside linebacker who is 3-4.
Can those skills be translated into the Madden NFL 24? Derek Barnett Scouting Report
"Not not only was Barnett an unstoppable threat, with at least 10 sacks over the three seasons he spent in orange, but he also did great work against Tennessee's most formidable opponent. In his freshman year, he benefited significantly due to Curt Maggitt's presence, but he was the primary focus of opposing offensive lines the final two seasons and it did not slow him down much at all." Read More at Rocky Top Talk
His ability to rush for the ball made him a first-round prospect However, there are many questions he'll need to answer as a pro. The game he plays is determined by his athleticism, but an average performance at the Madden NFL 24 Combine suggests that he's likely to struggle against a higher class of offensive linemen when he becomes professional leagues. Madden NFL 24 Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah may have said it best when it comes about Barnett's potential.
"(Barnett) does not possess elite burst, that explosiveness that you'd like to have in an edge-rusher" he told his Move the Sticks podcast. "I played with Terrell Suggs a little bit with the Ravens, and he's another one that didn't test all that well. But Suggs was a whiz when you got onto the football field. I'm sure you've seen some similar traits in Barnett. I don't believe he's at that Suggs level, but I think he's definitely got a chance to become a double-digit sack player in the future."
A positive point is his performance against SEC opposition. Barnett often favored starting slow with Tennessee however, he usually put his best performances in crucial conference matches -- and the best offensive lines the Volunteers could face. Even though an Alabama team is a vast cry from an Madden NFL 24 model yet, it's nonetheless encouraging.
