Is Derek Barnett Really That Good?

[*SHRacerX*]

(04-14-2017, 05:33 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I'm in the crowd that was high on him, then I cooled a bit.  I watched a good bit of his bowl game this year, and he looked good, not fantastic.  I had trouble rationalizing what all the fuss was about.  Then I watch Demarcus Walker playing against a very good Michigan OL, and I'm just blown away. 

I'm not saying that Barnett isn't as good as his career numbers would imply, or that Walker is somehow better than Barnett.  The conclusion I draw to is that Walker seemed to be one to rise up in the big game, while Barnett seemed to be a bit neutralized.

As Bengal fans, we've seen plenty of "star" players that look great in some games, then seem to "disappear" when it comes to the big stage games, like Steelers games or playoff games.  I'd just prefer to see them draft a player, whoever it is that they choose, who's star shone brightest in the biggest games.

Good comparison with Barnett and Walker.  I would say that Barnett was more consistent with his motor and production against all his competition whereas Walker had a reputation for taking some plays off....I can't put that much stock in that as he played over 90% of the snaps for FSU and was a big part of their Championship team.

I look at it two ways:  Get the DE in the first, WR in the second:  Barnett, Curtis Samuel

or, flip it around:  Get Ross, WR in the first, and Willis, DE in the second.

I actually like the idea of Ross and Willis best because I love both of those guys...as people and athletes.  I want playmakers.  They are both playmakers.