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2017 NFL Draft: Top 25 Big Board after Week 11

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

After such a magical start to the season, the Tennessee Volunteers lost three straight games to take them out of the College Football Playoff race. They’ve bounced back with a couple of big wins, and they still have some legitimate NFL talent on that roster.

Easily the most impressive prospect on the Volunteers this season has been Derek Barnett. The defensive end has been dominant all season with 10 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

Barnett is still developing into a more complete player, but he’s so difficult for offensive linemen to block because of his length, strength and explosiveness off of the snap. His combination of strength and speed allow him to get into the backfield often.

He’s not getting the attention of some other edge rushers, but Barnett looks like the total package to become a talented 3-4 edge rusher or 4-3 defensive end.

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