Fansided
Fansided

Three Options for the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Russell Brown

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Derek Barnett (9) in the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Derek Barnett (9) in the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Barnett, Defensive End from Tennessee

On my big board, it’s highly unlikely that a player of Barnett’s caliber is available at the 21st pick. I’ve got him ranked as my 5th highest player on my big board but there’s speculation to him falling in this year’s draft. Todd McShay recently stated in his latest mock draft that:

"Barnett isn’t expected to put up big numbers during workouts, which could cause him to fall a bit in between now and late April. But he plays with good discipline, a consistent motor and impressive physicality."

Certainly, I would have to agree with McShay. He won’t be the fastest player on the field for the combine, nor will he be the strongest. However, his tape does a lot of talking and I’d be shocked if he fell to the Detroit Lions at the 21st overall selection. Barnett has a great burst off the line of scrimmage, shows his versatility by playing with his hand in the dirt or standing up and is a physical edge rusher. Throughout his college career, Barnett contributed for 198 tackles, 52 tackles for loss and 32 sacks. Powerful with efficient technique and a high-motor, led to him being one of the most productive edge rushers in the SEC.

In my most recent NFL Mock Draft, I have Barnett going 16th overall to the Baltimore Ravens. He’d be an ideal fit across from Terrell Suggs and would allow them to build him into a DeMarcus Ware type of player.

However, if Derek Barnett slides at all because of combine numbers, the Detroit Lions need to take him. They need to find another edge player to team with Ziggy Ansah. Pairing the two together could lead to a very productive outcome and would hopefully help the longevity of Ansah. Derek Barnett should be one of their highest rated players for the 2017 NFL Draft and taking the best player available with any pick, is never a bad idea.

Home/NFL Draft