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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 8

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

EDGE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 5. player. 59.

The Miami Dolphins could walk away from Mario Williams after this season and only lose $2 million in dead cap space. Considering his lack of production this season, that is likely, but it also means that they need to find a new defensive end who can become a legitimate playmaker for their defense.

Even with Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh, the Dolphins could use another impact player on that defensive line. That’s exactly what Tennessee’s Derek Barnett could be if the Dolphins took him with their first-round pick.

Barnett has become the leader for the Volunteers defense, and the coaches have continued to praise him for his play. Not only is he capable of bending the edge, but he also does a fantastic job of flying off of the snap to beat his man, as you can see below.

At 6’3” and 265 pounds, Barnett can get to the quarterback or stuff running backs in the backfield, making him an ideal candidate to replace Williams in Miami’s 4-3 defense.

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