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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) throws the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) throws the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) defends during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derek Barnett

DE, Tennessee

For so long, the Baltimore Ravens have been synonymous with their defense. Future Hall of Famers Ed Reed and Ray Lewis donned the purple and black with a tenacity that struck fear in the hearts of their opponents. Recently, the Ravens have been led by their quarterback, Joe Flacco, who played incredibly well during their Super Bowl winning run a few years back.

However, the Ravens need to go back to their defensive roots, and adding an elite pass rusher in next April’s draft makes sense. Linebacker Terrell Suggs is nearing the end of his career, and the Ravens are going to need to replace his production getting after the quarterback. Over at the University of Tennessee, Derek Barnett has become arguably the best pass rusher in college football, and he would be a perfect fit in Baltimore.

Some publications have Barnett going very high in next April’s draft, and that could certainly be the case. If he is to fall to the Ravens, he would instantly improve their depth on the defensive line. He has the ability to play all over the line, and has shown the speed needed to play an outside linebacker role if needed. He has been a game changer at Tennessee, and finished his career by breaking Hall of Famer Reggie White’s career sack record. Enough said.

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