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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-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 /
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Derek Barnett

DE, Tennessee

Despite the fact they lost their star wide receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement after the 2015 NFL season, the Detroit Lions made an improbable run to the playoffs in 2016. Had it not been for a late season collapse, the Lions should have won the NFC North, which they lost on the final day of the regular season to the Green Bay Packers. Still, this is a franchise that is trending in the right direction, and bringing in some more firepower on defense will go a long way towards them making the playoffs again in 2017.

The Lions have some very talented players on the defensive line, though the edges are an area where they definitely need some help. With the No. 21 pick in April’s draft, the Lions need to bring in a defensive end to match with Ezekiel Ansah in their Base 4-3, and Derek Barnett would be a perfect fit. Barnett is one of the more explosive players in this draft, and his game would fit perfectly in the Lions scheme defensively.

Of all the players in this draft class, Barnett may be the best at getting the edge. He broke the Tennessee Volunteers’ career sack record during his time on campus, which was a record held by  Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White. Barnett has the talent to be a very good pro, but he will need to get in the right system in order to maximize his potential. Detroit is that place.

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