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Detroit Lions Draft Profile 2017: Defensive End Derek Barnett

By Genna Preston

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 /
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The Detroit Lions need to address their defense needs in the 2017 NFL Draft and defensive end Derek Barnett has the qualities and skills they need.

Derek Barnett is a defensive end out of Tennessee and a top ranked player in the 2017 NFL Draft. Since his freshman year, Barnett has been developed and conditioned himself into a talented, well-rounded player.

Barnett set many records and make history while playing in Tennessee. Barnett was named to the Freshman All-American team after he set a Tennessee record for sacks and tackles for loss. By his sophomore year, he earned Second All-Team All-SEC honors.

His junior year was his most productive by far. Barnett was named First Team All-SEC and ended his final season in Knoxville with 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and two forced fumbles. His impressive college career make him an ideal 2017 NFL Draft option, and it will be interesting to see where he lands himself on draft day.

TackTackTackTackTackDefDefDefDefFumbFumb
YearSchoolConfGSoloAstTotLossSkInt YdsAvgPDFRFF
*2014  Tennessee  SEC  13  47  26  73  20.5   9.0  0  0  0  0  1  0
*2015  Tennessee  SEC  13  44  25  69  12.5  10.0  0  0  0  1  1  1
2016  Tennessee  SEC  13  40  16  56  19.0  13.0  1  7 7.0  5  0  2
Career  Tennessee 131  67 198  52.0  32.0  1  7 7.0  6  2  3

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table

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Strengths

Barnett is strong, powerful and consistent. He’s flexible and has great timing. He’s extremely talented at defending the run. He has great control over his body, allowing him to make quick decisions, pivots and re-routes. His determination and energy show on and off the field as he played in all the season games during his college career, and can be an every-down player. Barnett knows he’s not as athletic as other players, but he excels at what he’s good at and understands how to use his strengths to his advantage.

Weaknesses

Barnett is a little short and doesn’t have extremely long limbs. He’s not an overall well-versed pass rusher, needing to show more urgency and explosiveness. His stiff lower half doesn’t allow him to change stances quick enough and needs more movement versatility. He receives offside penalties. Barnett also has inconsistent eye contact and sometimes misinterprets the snap.

Video Highlights

Next: Detroit Lions: 5 First-Round Draft Targets

Draft Day Prediction

Derek Barnett is definitely a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. With the Lions having a few defense needs, Barnett could find himself yelling One Pride. However, if Barnett is drafted before the Lions are on the clock, that too wouldn’t be a great shock.

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