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Patriots Rumors: New England Holds Private Workout for Derek Barnett

By Nick Ziegler

Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent New England Patriots rumors are that they held a private workout with potential first-round pick Derek Barnett.

With the NFL Draft less than a month away, there have been plenty of Patriots rumors recently. The Patriots have had a very good offseason so far, but the draft is still a big time for them.

As of now, the Patriots don’t have a pick in either the first or second rounds of the NFL Draft. Because of trades for Brandin Cooks and Kony Ealy, the Patriots are without a pick in those two rounds.

Even though they don’t have a first-round pick, they reportedly held a private workout for defensive end Derek Barnett according to Pro Football Talk.

Seeing the Patriots express interest in Barnett is certainly surprising. Barnett is widely considered to be one of the best edge defenders in the upcoming NFL Draft. He will certainly be taken in the first round.

Even though the Patriots don’t currently have a pick in that round, they could easily get back into the first round by trading Jimmy Garoppolo. The trade talk involving Garoppolo has slowed down in recent days. However, he is still a very valuable asset for the Patriots. If the Patriots find a prospect like Barnett for example that they are really impressed with, they might be more willing to move Garoppolo.

Barnett had a great college career at Tennessee, as he was able to total 32 sacks in three seasons. In his junior season, Barnett really dominated by totaling 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and five passes defended.

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Getting a player like Barnett for the defensive line certainly improves that unit. After Trey Flowers, the Patriots use a lot of situational players, as they lack and every down defensive end. Barnett was great against both the run and pass in college, and he could be an impact player right away in the NFL. Now, we will have to wait and see if the Patriots acquire a pick to be in a position to take him.

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