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Tennessee Vols: Derek Barnett Would Love To Play For Titans

By Zach Ragan

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 /
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Former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Derek Barnett will be a hot commodity in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Derek Barnett, the Tennessee Vols’ all-time sack leader, visited the Tennessee Titans on Thursday ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Barnett is already one of the most beloved Vols in program history, but he could put himself over the top with fans if ends up as a member of the Titans.

The former Vol defensive end told Titans Online on Thursday that he grew up a Titans fan, saying “It would be “awesome to stay home and play here”.

Barnett also told Titans Online that he feels he’d be a good fit anywhere in the NFL.

From Titans Online:

"“I think anywhere I go would be a good fit because I am very coachable,’’ Barnett said. “I’m not good at just one thing, I think I am good at multiple things. I am very versatile so I think I can get the job done in a 4-3, 3-4, rushing outside, standing up, rushing inside, anywhere.“… I may not be the best tester in the world, but when I get on the field I think I have proven to be pretty decent at that. Whatever team picks me is going to get somebody who is very competitive, a great leader. But most importantly they’re going to get somebody who knows how to get after the quarterback and impact games.”"

Barnett has proved he’s such a fierce competitor that he can excel in any situation. He might have some difficulties rushing inside at the NFL level, but I have little doubt that he will continue to work hard to be successful. He should eventually become a solid all around defender.

What I love most about Barnett’s quote, however, is that he’s both confident and humble.

He said he’s proven to be “pretty decent” on the field.

Umm, yeah I think he was a little better than “pretty decent” during his time at Tennessee.

But again, that’s what you get with Barnett — a hard worker that is going to do whatever it takes on the field to make an impact in the game.

As far as Barnett landing with the Titans? Well that could be tricky.

The Titans currently have the number 5 and 18 selections in the first round.

I seriously doubt the Titans will consider taking Barnett with the 5th selection. Current projections have Barnett going before the Titans’ 18th pick.

The only scenario where I could possibly see Barnett ending up with the Titans is if Tennessee and Cleveland swap the 5th and 12 selections (obviously the Titans would end up with some extra picks in this scenario).

And even then the Titans are more likely to target Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams.

However, if Williams is selected before the Titans make their selection, I could see them drafting Barnett, even though he doesn’t fill an immediate team need.

Next: Five Players The Titans Should Consider Drafting

I honestly don’t think Barnett ends up playing for the Titans next season, but the draft is a strange beast sometimes. We have no idea what will actually transpire on April 27.

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