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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 11

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers 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) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half 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) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

. DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 10. player. 56

Cincinnati ranks in the bottom third in the league in terms of sacks this season, so why not look toward one of the best pass rushers available? Tennessee’s Derek Barnett shouldn’t make it too far past the No. 10 pick in the draft as he might be an elite NFL pass rusher in a couple years.

In fact, he has 28 sacks in just three seasons with the Volunteers, including nine this season through nine games. He 37 total tackles and 14.5 for loss. He continues to be a disruptive, aggressive player in the trenches and he’s been tough for opposing linemen to handle.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge rusher would be a nice addition to a defensive line that’s looking to add an elite sack artist. The scary thing is that offenses know he’s the guy to keep an eye on and yet he still manages to beat out double teams and find his way into the backfield on a regular basis.

Barnett’s total tackle numbers are down this year, but he’s been wreaking havoc in the backfield with nine sacks. He is one away from his career-high and will likely earn that sack within the next couple of games, breaking his best mark.

The Bengals’ line is looking to get younger and Barnett would be a perfect fit.

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