2017 NFL Mock Draft: Myles Garrett leads the way
By Brad Weiss
Derek Barnett
DE, Tennessee
The New Orleans Saints let Brandin Cooks walk this past offseason, as they traded him away to the New England Patriots in a deal that included the Pats first rounder in 2017. That pick is the last of the first round, where there should still be some talented pass-rushers available. The Saints need to be able to get after the quarterback in the NFC South, and Derek Barnett of Tennessee is very good at doing just that.
Barnett finished his collegiate career at Tennessee as the all-time leader in sacks. That record was held by NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White, who was pretty good at getting after the quarterback during his playing days. The Saints need someone who is going to be able to get the edge, and they just may find that guy at the bottom of the first round.
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The NFC South is loaded with quality quarterbacks, as the Saints play Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Jameis Winston each twice per season. A bolstered secondary is only going to go so far, as their inability to attack the quarterback upfront will be exploited next season. Adding Barnett to a defensive line that includes Nick Fairley will give the Saints a strength in an area that has been atrocious the past few seasons.