NFL

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round

Joe Redemann  —  @TheIDPGuy Mar 3rd, 2017
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9. Bengals: Reuben Foster, Inside Linebacker

Top Needs: WR, DE, DT, ILB

The Cincinnati Bengals posted just the 25th-ranked defense by opponent-adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play this year. With poor linebacker play and a gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line, they need to stabilize quickly. Alabama inside linebacker Reuben Foster can put them back on track.

Foster is 6’1”, 240 pounds and won the Dick Butkus Award this year. He’s a vicious attacker in the run game, but has plenty of range and coverage instincts to line up on tight ends and running backs alike; he’ll work well as a 4-3 MIKE linebacker under coordinator Paul Guenther.

Foster enters the Draft on the back of junior and senior campaigns that averaged 83.5 tackles, 10.0 stuffs, 3.0 sacks and 5.5 passes defended. Foster’s production is unparalleled in this class.

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