Vols Football: Predicting Where Each Tennessee Player Will Be Drafted

2 of 7

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 /

Derek Barnett — Defensive End

Projection: Indianapolis Colts — Round 1 — Pick 15

I think Barnett makes sense for several teams that are drafting in the top 15, but I believe he’ll get passed up because of concerns about his athleticism.

Barnett would make sense for the Panthers at 8, the Bengals at 9, and the Saints at 11.

If he makes it past those teams, there’s no way he slips past the Colts.

Indianapolis has a lot of defensive needs, but their biggest glaring need is an edge rusher.

Barnett did nothing but produce against SEC competition during his time at Tennessee. There’s no reason to think that trend won’t continue in the NFL.

If Barnett falls to the Colts, they’ll be getting a player that outproduced the likely top pick in the 2017 NFL draft (Myles Garrett).

That’s a pretty damn good pick if you ask me.

Home/Tennessee Volunteers