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2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams

By George Stockburger

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 21. player. 50. It’s no secret the Lions desperately need linebackers, but with Haason Reddick off the board, they opt to instead take the best pass-rusher available. Derek Barnett was extremely productive during all three years at Tennessee and is a great value this late in the first round. He finished the 2016 season with 56 total tackles, 13 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. <p>The Lions have needed to upgrade their defensive line since losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley a couple of seasons ago. Former Southern Carolina fourth-round pick, Devin Taylor, never progressed into the starting caliber end the team was hoping for when selecting him in 2013. Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham is an option here as well, but according to recent projections, he has been falling out of the first round. I think the Lions happily grab Barnett here and pair him opposite Ziggy Ansah, instantly upgrading their front four.</p>. DE

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