Round 1: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Assuming that Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett and Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen are off the board, Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett would be the next best available defensive lineman.
Barnett had a stellar collegiate career and finished the 2016 campaign with 13 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and five pass deflections. The 13 sacks were his most as a collegiate player, but the second time he had reached double digits in three years.
If the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl was a curtain call for his college career, Barnett helped himself immensely going into combine season. Barnett led a disruptive Volunteers’ defense, in which he made tackle after tackle and deflected two passes that stalled Nebraska drives.
Taking Barnett at pick six may be a stretch, but if the Jets have interest in adding yet another first round defensive lineman, Barnett would add a consistent pass rush. He may not be the most explosive rusher in the draft, but he is the most NFL-ready.
