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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mad Rush At Start For Top Defenders

By Erik Lambert

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) sacks LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) sacks LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Cincinnati Bengals

DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett . 6. player. 56. The Cincinnati Bengals don’t win when their defensive isn’t playing well and their defensive isn’t playing well when their defensive line can’t pressure the quarterbacks. Outside of Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap their front four has disappointed in regards to this. Through 10 games they have just 19 sacks as a team. In such a strong division that isn’t going to cut it. If Marvin Lewis survives another year he has to bring in somebody who can apply heat. <p>Derek Barnett has shown repeatedly at Tennessee that this is his calling. The Tennessee defensive end is a marvel of consistency. He’ll likely go pro having never had fewer than nine sacks in a season in college. That’s hard to do. It speaks to his natural ability at doing this job. He’s got the size and strength to play defensive end along with the quickness and natural finesse to beat blockers off the edge. Him and Dunlap across from each other with Atkin in the middle? Not bad at all.</p>

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