2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projected First Round After Week 4

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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Eric Olson (76) during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

EDGE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 12. player. 48.

If Vincent Jackson leaves in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may want to consider adding another wide receiver. However, this class just isn’t as talented as previous ones at the position, and Tampa Bay could always wait until the second or third round to address the position.

In the first round, the Buccaneers would be smart to add another player who can get to opposing quarterbacks. Tennessee’s Derek Barnett could be a great fit for Tampa Bay, especially with guys like Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy playing around him.

Barnett is a legitimately intimidating pass rusher, and I feel like he would be best served to play in the NFL as a 4-3 defensive end rather than a 3-4 edge rusher. He isn’t particularly great at bending the corner and getting to the quarterback with a speed rush. Instead, he does a great job with violent hands to create separation while relying on his strength to get into the backfield.

The Volunteers defensive end could be a real force in the NFL with the right fit, and Tampa Bay could be exactly that.

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