Lions look to use him in a different scheme to better fit his skills
Derrick Barnes, a fourth-round pick in 2021 who is one of the most capable guys athletically on the team, struggled as a rookie. He ranked in the bottom eight linebackers in grades published by Pro Football Focus, in a season where he played fewer than 40% of the defensive snaps and had 67 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss.
Sheppard, who talked highly of Barnes during rookie training camp, says he always liked his raw talent and this year moving him off ball should let him use his athletic ability in space to make plays.
"I'm even more excited about (Barnes) right now," Sheppard said. "He's done everything and more that I've asked. A lot of people around the building say they see a new guy, but I see a guy I always thought was there.
"It starts with a coach believing in a player to unlock the most out of him ... that guy man, the sky is the limit."
Derrick Barnes, a fourth-round pick in 2021 who is one of the most capable guys athletically on the team, struggled as a rookie. He ranked in the bottom eight linebackers in grades published by Pro Football Focus, in a season where he played fewer than 40% of the defensive snaps and had 67 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss.
Sheppard, who talked highly of Barnes during rookie training camp, says he always liked his raw talent and this year moving him off ball should let him use his athletic ability in space to make plays.
"I'm even more excited about (Barnes) right now," Sheppard said. "He's done everything and more that I've asked. A lot of people around the building say they see a new guy, but I see a guy I always thought was there.
"It starts with a coach believing in a player to unlock the most out of him ... that guy man, the sky is the limit."
