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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Dalvin Cook makes his case

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies 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) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Barnett. 6. player. 56. . DE. Tennessee

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the worst stories in the NFL, as they have struggled on a weekly basis this season. Quarterback Andy Dalton has played ok, but looks to have taken a bit of a step back this season. Wide receiver A.J. Green is done for the year, and the running back situation does not look like a strength any longer. Getting Green back next season will be huge, but the team needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Tennessee’s Derek Barnett is very close to being as good as Myles Garrett at the defensive end position, but he should be considered a top-10 draft pick in his own right. He could be the most explosive pass rusher in this draft, and places with such intensity that is can be hard for him to control his emotions. Still, head coach Marvin Lewis would love to have a player like him on his roster, and he would be a nice pickup early in round one.

The Bengals are not far from being right back in the playoff race next season, and adding a piece like Barnett would shore up a weak spot in their defense. They need to be able to get after the quarterback, and while Barnett does not have elite size and speed, he is one of the more NFL-ready players available next April.

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