NFL Mock Draft: Week 14

By Brad Weiss | Dec 7, 2016

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 59. . DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 19

The Miami Dolphins were one of the hottest teams in football leading up to Week 13, as they had won six straight games. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is playing better football, and running back Jay Ajayi has turned into a star. The team has also gotten good play from the wide receiver positon, giving head coach Adam Gase some serious weapons on offense.

However, the Dolphins need to do a better job on the defensive side of the ball, as they just cannot seem to get stops on a consistent basis. One area that needs help is getting after the quarterback, which makes finding an edge guy next April so important. This draft is loaded with talented defensive ends, and Tennessee’s Derek Barnett is one of the better ones.

Barnett may be the most explosive player in this draft at that position, as he has the size and speed to get after the quarterback on every play. At the next level, he may be used as an outside linebacker or defensive end, but regardless, he is going to be disruptive in the passing game. Miami needs to get some star power on the offensive side of the ball, and Barnett is one of the more NFL-ready players in this draft.

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