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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Predictions For First Round

By Dan Parzych

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game 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) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett

Speaking of teams that ended up being a disappointment in 2016, the Cincinnati Bengals deserve to be near the top of the list like the Carolina Panthers after missing out on the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. The fact that Marvin Lewis still has a job despite failing to win a single playoff game in seven attempts since taking over as head coach in 2003 is absolutely ridiculous, and one can only imagine how many more chances the Bengals will provide him.

Up until last year, Cincinnati had managed to be so successful due to having one of the best overall teams, but it’s clear the main focus in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft should be on the defensive side of the football. Adding offensive playmakers can come in the later rounds for this team, as the Bengals are expected to focus on defense with the ninth overall pick.

Cincinnati will certainly have plenty of great players to consider at this pick, but when it comes to the best fit, Derek Barnett seems to be the one player that sticks out the most. The former Tennessee star has been heavily praised for his ability to pressure quarterbacks during his college career, and his style of play could work wonders for the Bengals’ defense.

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