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Detroit Lions Draft 2017: Prospects Who May Fall To The 21st Pick

By Ash Thompson

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) walks onto the field just before the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) walks onto the field just before the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Barnett: DE, Tennessee

Barnett was  a top five prospect to begin the 2016 college football season and performed as you would expect. As players at other positions came out early for the draft, Barnett moved down. In many online rankings he fell as far as the second round. That was madness, and on many boards Barnett’s position as a top fifteen talent has been reaffirmed.

Barnett lacks the twitchy explosion of a Myles Garrett. Rather, he uses his hands well when engaging blockers to get around the edge without being entangled. Much like A’Shawn Robinson, Barnett also showed an understanding of how to get his hands in to throwing lanes. He had five tipped passes and an interception in 2016. Barnett is the type of player that chases the ball until the play is dead every single time. He never ceases his effort to get through or around blockers. He chases ball carriers up field looking for a chance to make the play from behind.

There will be an adjustment period for Barnett, as Tennessee’s defense did not ask him to explode up field every play as the Lions scheme does, on running downs he would often play a two gap responsibility. Some have misconstrued this as hesitance on Barnett’s part.. When unleashed around the edge Barnett showed more than enough burst to be a very successful NFL pass rusher. He may not simply run around NFL offensive tackles for sacks, but his short area quickness is elite which will serve him well when making plays after his first effort has been stymied.

Barnett also gives the Lions flexibility in their future dealings with Ziggy Ansah. Another down season for Ansah could lead the player’s demands to not matching the Lions willingness to pay him. Ansah will be 28 years old when he hits free agency next season. A long contract for him is a risky play. Currently the Lions have no choice but to extend Ansah by any means necessary or risk their only certified pass rusher walking away. Addressing the defensive end position early in the draft insures the team against that possibility.

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