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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deep in Defensive Players

By Carl Cockerham

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) and defensive lineman Reggie Chevis (13) celebrate a defensive stop against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) and defensive lineman Reggie Chevis (13) celebrate a defensive stop against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 56. The Cincinnati Bengals have some talent on their defensive front-7 with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. But they still don’t get after the quarterback or stop the run well as a unit. Atkins and Dunlap usually line up on one side so that’s where the extra protection will be. <p>And in the running game, opposing teams can simply run away from the two stars. A stud is needed on the right side of the defense to complete the pass-rush and help against the run. Derek Barnett of Tennessee doesn’t fit the mold of what the Bengals usually like on the edge.</p> <p>They like guys that are 6’5″ and above with long arms and very athletic at their sizes. Barnett is pretty athletic with plenty of burst off the edge but at 6’3″, 265 pounds, he’s a little short. But with his burst, he has an array of moves and know how to get to opposing QBs.</p> <p>He’s also a tough customer against the run so the Bengals are helping themselves with this pick. With QB Andy Dalton, WR A.J. Green and a decent running game, the offense is just fine. Barnette could help turn the defense around, thus help turn the team around.</p>. DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 8

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