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2017 NFL Draft KC Chiefs Scouting Report: Derek Barnett

By Leigh Oleszczak

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 /
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The 2017 NFL Draft has a ton of standout defensive players waiting to join the ranks of an NFL team. Could Derek Barnett end up with the KC Chiefs after the first round?

With how much of a defensive team the Kansas City Chiefs have become over the past three seasons, John Dorsey going with a defensive player in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft isn’t a crazy theory at all.

In fact, there’s a good chance of that happening.

The quarterbacks this year aren’t mind blowing and the running back class is as deep as it has been in years. The point being that the KC Chiefs have a real shot at getting a terrific playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

Related Story: Scouting Report Central

Could that guy be Derek Barnett out of Tennessee?

Barnett spent three years with the Volunteers, totaling 198 tackles (52 for loss), 32 sacks, and defended six passes. He certainly put up great stats with Tennessee and should be nearly a lock to go in the first round.

Personally, I highly doubt this is the direction that Dorsey and the Chiefs decide to go in. Barnett is a talented prospect obviously, but he mainly spent his college days at the right defensive end spot, according to CBS Sports.

The guy manning right defensive end currently for the Chiefs is none other than Chris Jones, who was just drafted a year ago. On the left side is Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who filled in nicely despite some big injuries to the front three.

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Those two weren’t even the original starters, as Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard both went down with injuries, forcing those two to step in. So yeah, the Chiefs are pretty stacked up front, and their first round pick probably won’t be for Derek Barnett.

Honestly though, this pick wouldn’t upset me in the least bit. Injuries can happen and we’ve seen just how important it is to have a lot of defensive depth on a roster.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares Barnett to Nick Perry, stating,

"Strong edge presence with NFL-caliber hand usage and play strength. Barnett is one of the most productive defensive linemen to come out of the SEC in quite some time despite lacking the length and twitch that teams usually look for off the edge. His awareness and play traits should keep him near the action and he has the talent to step into a starting base end spot right away."

Next: Mock Draft: Chiefs Go Best Available in Every Round

This would be a nice depth pick, but it’s not the direction that I see the KC Chiefs going in with the 27th overall pick.

What do you think, Chiefs fans? Would you be okay with the team selecting a defensive end in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft?

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