It's Derek Barnett's Last Chance to Prove to the Eagles He Was Worth a First-Round Selection

Defensive end Derek Barnett has shown glimmers of the player that the Philadelphia Eagles want him to be, but he hasn't produced anywhere near the consistency level a top 15 draft pick should. This is his fourth year in the league, and it's about time he takes it up a notch.

The Eagles picked Barnett at No. 14 in the 2017 NFL Draft, and his decent rookie season was highlighted by a clutch fumble recovery during the Super Bowl LII victory. However, the DE was a non-factor in 2018. He was plagued by injuries and only played in six games.

“He wants to prove that he was worth that pick.”

Looking to expand his game, #Eagles DE Derek Barnett is working out with former DL coach Jim Washburn this offseason in Tennessee: https://t.co/QXOfAJnC81
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) June 12, 2020

Barnett had another decent year last season, but he wasn't extraordinary. Though he posted the second-highest sack total on the team, his solo tackles and assists left a lot to be desired. Luckily for the Eagles, it seems like Barnett is willing to put in the work to finally make this his year.

We can overlook Barnett's last three seasons. The rookie year is usually tough, and major injuries can remain a factor after being out for a while. This year, though, he doesn't have any excuses, and we're excited to see him training with Jim Washburn in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

I hope 2020 is to Derek Barnett what 2017 was to Zach Ertz.

Where we’ve talked about their breakout seasons year after year and then it just finally happens. https://t.co/otFtoUkfHQ
— Eagles Fan Problems (@EagleFanProbs) June 9, 2020

Barnett wants this year to be his breakthrough just as badly as we do, and having that motivation is half the battle. Seeing him on the grind this early is giving us really high hopes for him in 2020, and he has to live up to them.