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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) in action during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
9

Derek Barnett

Edge, Tennessee

The Cincinnati Bengals once again missed out on the playoffs in 2016, and many believe that this could be head coach Marvin Lewis’ last chance to bring the franchise back to the postseason. Lewis and company struggled to play consistent football last season, and they really struggled when A.J. Green went down to injury. Quarterback Andy Dalton is still a solid player, but there are issues at running back, and the defense cannot get to the quarterback.

Bringing in a player like Derek Barnett at No. 9 will definitely help the team with getting to the quarterback, as he is one of the best in this draft class at doing just that. Barnett is explosive on the line of scrimmage, and racked up enough sacks during his career at Tennessee to break Reggie White’s all-time record. The Bengals need star power on defense after letting go of Rey Maualuga this offseason, and Barnett’s high-energy style of play will be perfect for the Bengals defensive scheme.

The Bengals play in the AFC North, which means the division is up for grabs every season. While the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers got better this offseason, the Bengals did not make many moves, which is a testament to the amount of talent they already have on their roster. Lewis needs to get this pick right, and you cannot go wrong with a player who can get after the quarterback at any given moment.

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