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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitchell Trubisky to 49ers

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-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

The Detroit Lions had a remarkable start to the 2016 NFL season, taking complete control of the NFC North early on. The problem for the Lions was that the season was 17 weeks long, and the Green Bay Packers were able to claw their way back from the oblivion. The Packers defeated the Lions in Week 17, taking the NFC North crown, but the Lions were able to hold onto a Wild Card spot.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford had a terrific season under center, playing some of his best football despite the fact the team lost star wide receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement the year before. The Lions have some explosive pieces on offense, and they need to add to the talent pool on the other side of the ball this April. Bringing in another big-time defensive end has to be a priority in Detroit, and Derek Barnett is a good looking pass rusher.

Barnett broke Hall of Famer Reggie White’s all-time sack record at Tennessee, showing each week that he was one of the best in the country at getting after the quarterback. The Lions have a very good defensive end in Ezekiel Ansah, and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata is still one of the best in the business. Barnett would give the Lions the other pass rusher they are lacking, enabling them to get better pressure on the likes of Aaron Rodgers when they play twice a season.

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