PHILADELPHIA — Former Tennessee DE Derek Barnett got to have a unique experience at the 2017 NFL Draft when he was selected by the host city’s team with the No. 14 overall pick.

That meant the newest member of the Philadelphia Eagles got to find out what his new fanbase thought of him as soon as commissioner Roger Goodell stepped to the podium to announce the selection.

It’s safe to say Barnett was relieved when Philly fans showered him with cheers as he took the stage to hug the commissioner.

“I was a little bit nervous — I didn’t want to get no boos,” he laughed. “I got a warm welcome and I appreciate the fans for the warm welcome.”

After breaking Reggie White’s Tennessee sack record (with 33 sacks in three years to best White’s mark of 32), Barnett will once again find himself compared to the Volunteer legend.

In the 1984 Supplemental Draft, White went to the Eagles with the No. 4 overall pick and proceeded to rack up a whopping 124 sacks in eight years with Philly.

Barnett said he’s quite familiar with the mystique surrounding White and will do his best to continue following in his footsteps.

“I was in Knoxville the past three years and he’s a pretty big deal there,” he smiled. “He’s a legend and has a big picture up on the field. I know how big he is and I know how big he is here.”

Barnett spent the entire draft process being compared to former Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett, who was chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night.

He said he may not have the physical attributes that a guy like Garrett has, but he puts in the work in the film room to make sure he’s in a position to succeed week in and week out.

“I did a lot of studying in college and I feel like that’s my edge. I’m not the 6-5, 285 [pound] defensive end who runs a 4.5 [second 40-yard dash], so I feel like I have to get my edge mentally. Throughout my career, that’s what I did.”

Though the all-time Tennessee sacks leader already has his name in one team’s record book, he said he won’t set out to pursue individual goals in the NFL. Instead, he said, he will focus on earning some jewelry over the next several years.

“I want to, when I’m done with football, have some rings on my hand,” he said. “That’s why I play football.”

If he can help the Eagles’ defense become a championship-caliber unit, he’ll continue to hear plenty of cheers from fans in the City of Brotherly Love.