Derek Barnett Reportedly Met with Cowboys, Falcons and Bucs Ahead of 2017 Draft

Defensive end prospect Derek Barnett has reportedly met with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons leading up to the 2017 NFL draft at the end of the month.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the meetings with the Cowboys and Bucs were recent, while the former Tennessee Volunteers standout had a personal workout with the Falcons.

Barnett registered 32 sacks in three seasons with the Volunteers, and he is coming off a 2016 campaign during which he racked up 56 tackles, 19 stops for loss, one interception and a career-high 13 sacks.

The Cowboys, Buccaneers and Falcons all ranked in the top half of the NFL in sacks last season, but selecting Barnett could help push them into the upper echelon in terms of pass rushing.

According to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, there is some concern with Barnett due to his workouts, as a scout reported he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.89 seconds at his pro day.

Even so, Miller projected the Miami Dolphins to take Barnett at No. 22 overall in his latest mock draft.

He also ranked Barnett as the No. 25 overall prospect and No. 5 edge-rusher on his newest big board.

If the Dolphins have interest in Barnett, the Buccaneers could nab him ahead of them at No. 19, while Cowboys (No. 28) and Falcons (No. 31) would both need to trade up. 

For more news, rumors and related stories about Derek Barnett and the NFL, check out the NFL stream on Bleacher Report's app.