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2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections after Week 5

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

. DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 6. player. 15

The New Orleans Saints have arguably the worst defense in the league, so they could take just about any defensive prospect and their fans would be fine with it. While they could definitely look at a defensive back here, They could try and add some youth to their defensive line.

Tennessee’s Derek Barnett is shooting up draft boards after some dominant games to start the season. Through five games the junior already has four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

Barnett could play as an edge rusher at the next level, but also fits as a 4-3 defensive end in the Saints’ scheme. Paul Kruger is more of a stop-gap at the position at 30 years old, and there’s no guarantee he comes back after his one-year deal. Adding Barnett to play on the opposite side of the line with CAmeron Jordan could make things a bit more difficult for opposing offenses.

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