With The First Pick
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NFL Draft: Five best rookies playing in Super Bowl LII

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles picks up a fumble and runs past Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders to score a touchdown as time expired at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles picks up a fumble and runs past Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders to score a touchdown as time expired at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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1. Derek Barnett, Philadelphia Eagles

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 14
Position: Edge Defender
2017 Season Statistics: 15 games played, 21 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 blocked kicks
2017 Pro Football Focus Grade: 75.3

The Philadelphia Eagles selected edge defender Derek Barnett at No. 14 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The former Tennessee Volunteers star played in 15 games for the Eagles, recording a total of 472 snaps on a deep and talented defensive line.

Fletcher Fox, Brandon Graham, Tim Jernigan, Vinny Curry, and Chris Long are the more heralded players, but Barnett has a chance to make a significant impact come Sunday.

Barnett has made a significant mark when he’s been afforded playing time. He recorded five sacks in 2017, including the 2.0 sacks he recorded against the Washington Redskins during Week 7 and the 2.0 and one forced fumble he tallied against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11.

Barnett also blocked two kicks, thus rounding out what was an intriguing early return on Philadelphia’s first-round investment in 2017.

Barnett proved to be ready for a bigger stage when he strip-sacked Case Keenum during the NFC Championship Game. It was a turning point in the game, with Minnesota driving and on the Philadelphia 16-yard-line in a 14-7 game.

Come Sunday, Barnett will be tasked with helping the Eagles’ elite defensive line apply pressure to Tom Brady—a tall task, to say the least.

Must Read: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Super Bowl Edition

The question is: Which rookies will step up during Super Bowl LII?

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