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NFL Draft 2017: 5 candidates to win 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Derek Barnett (Tennessee) is selected as the number 14 overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Derek Barnett (Tennessee) is selected as the number 14 overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

54. . EDGE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 4. player

Former Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett is put in a good position with the Philadelphia Eagles next season. Barnett was a three-year starter with the Volunteers who developed into quite the edge-rusher in his time at Knoxville. He was rewarded for his efforts by becoming the 14th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Barnett started from his freshman season in 2013 all the way to his final season, choosing to declare early. He had 56 total tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception in 2016.

He earned All-American and first-team All-SEC honors after leading the conference in sacks and tackles for loss. As the unsung leader on the Vols’ defense, Barnett elevated his level of play season after season. Now, with a shot to crack the starting rotation with the Philadelphia Eagles, he has an opportunity to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award next year.

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