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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Browns bolster roster

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derek Barnett

Edge, Tennessee

The New Orleans Saints have been all over the news during the offseason, trading star wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the New England Patriots for the No. 32 pick in the draft. In addition, it looked like they were going to swing another deal with the Pats for this pick, as they really wanted to bring in cornerback Malcolm Butler. The Saints have said they are not going to give up the pick, which is a good move, considering the amount of defensive talent this draft has to offer.

With the No. 11 pick, we like the Saints to bolster their pass rush, and Derek Barnett is as good as any player in this draft at doing just that. Barnett, who broke Hall of Famer Reggie White’s career sack record at Tennessee, is as explosive as they come on the edge, and the Saints need that kind of player on their roster. The NFC South is a pass-happy division, so getting after the likes of Matt Ryan, Cam Newton, and Jameis Wintson is going to be very important next season.

The Saints have not had a .500 season in three years, and some believe it could spell the end for head coach Sean Payton. We think this roster is loaded with talent, and two first round picks could mean a couple of win improvement over their 7-9 mark from last season. Quarterback Drew Brees can still put up points with the best of them, but they need to fix the defense or else they are headed to another sub-.500 season.

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