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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half 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) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

I’ve said it before, and I still stand by it, Derek Barnett just looks like a Detroit Lion.

I can’t explain it, and I’m not even going to try to here, but he seems to fit the style of player and the personality destined to play for Motown’s own franchise.

Playing alongside Haloti Ngata, Ezekiel Ansah and A’Shawn Robinson will give Barnett a real good shot at looking overly impressive in his rookie season.

The four should be able to find ways to get to opposing quarterbacks and really complicate enemy passing attacks as they do. They are too talented to do otherwise.

In year one without Calvin Johnson the Lions proved they had the ability to stay competitive in the NFC North. Year two should see the team get a bit more comfortable without their star receiver, and bulking up their pass rush should certainly help keep opponent scores in manageable ranges.

Allowing quarterback Matthew Stafford lower scoring opponents to play against should free up what the offense can do, and make Detroit even bigger threats to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. Look out for the Lions in the near future. They are close.

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