Derek Barnett, Eagles Agree to 4-Year Rookie Contract

The Philadelphia Eagles and first-round pick Derek Barnett agreed to terms on a four-year rookie contract Thursday, the team announced on Twitter. 

Selected 14th overall out of the University of Tennessee, Barnett was one of the most polished and productive college pass-rushers the 2017 draft had to offer. 

Over the course of three years with the Volunteers, Barnett totaled 32 sacks and 52 tackles for loss as he wreaked havoc off the edge against talented offensive tackles in the SEC. 

"The thing that jumped out, to me, was look how much he can finish," Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas said, according to Bleeding Green Nation's Adam Hermann. "First, he's got a great first step. And then when he gets to the top of his rush, he's able to bend and close, and finish. Just very strong."

Looking ahead, Barnett will likely start out as a rotational edge-rusher along one of the NFL's deepest defensive lines.

Not only does Philadelphia wield the imposing interior tandem of Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan, but Brandon Graham—who finished 2016 as Pro Football Focus' ninth-ranked player—Chris Long and Vinny Curry can pack a punch in the pass-rushing department under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. 

For now, look for Barnett to spell those veterans and steadily climb up the depth chart before he eventually claims a starting spot opposite Graham.