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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitch Trubisky, DeShone Kizer on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

26. . DE. Tennessee. Derek Barnett. 17. player

The Baltimore Ravens need their next great edge rusher, as the defense is starting to get up there in age. The Ravens have long been linked to having a great defense, but recently it seems their offense has been leading the way. Gone are the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, so a new regime of players needs to come in as current veteran star Terrell Suggs enters the twilight of his career.

Over at the University of Tennessee, defensive end Derek Barnett is an exciting player to watch. Blessed with incredible size and speed, Barnett can play the defensive end or outside linebacker position, possessing the ability to really get after the quarterbacks. Some mocks have him going way higher in the first round, so if he is available, a match with the Baltimore Ravens looks like a perfect spot for him.

Outside of his talent, Barnett appears to have his priorities in order as well. With the growing trend of players skipping their bowl games to focus on their draft stock, Barnett recently said it would be disrespectful for him to skip the team’s appearance in the Motor City Bowl. With a sack in Friday’s game, Barnett would pass Hall of Famer Reggie White for first place all-time in sacks at the University of Tennessee.

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