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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-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 /

Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 6. player. 56. . Edge

You know you’re good when a team like Alabama runs to the opposite side of the field to avoid you on a majority of plays. Derek Barnett is a disruptive force on the defensive line and one of the best edge rushers in the country. Some even consider him to be a better prospect than Myles Garrett, but I wouldn’t go that far.

Another guy who is leaving a year early for the NFL, Barnett saw his stats take a bit of a hit this season, mostly because he drew the attention of opposing offensive linemen which means constant double-teams and running to the opposite side of the field.

Barnett had 73 total tackles as a freshman and 69 as a sophomore in 2015 but has just 50 during his junior, and presumably final, season for the Volunteers. His 18.0 tackles for loss is the most since his freshman season and his 12.0 sacks are a career high. He has developed into an elite pass rusher.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound end from Tennessee would be a perfect fit for the Bengals who are looking to add some beef on the defensive line and athleticism on the edge. He would provide that much needed pass rush and improve the defense almost immediately.

Tennessee is definitely going to miss him next year, but with the strength and power that he has, he knows that the NFL is the right choice and the Bengals would be a great situation.

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