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The Atlanta Falcons have two rookie linebackers starting on their depth chart. That’s a pretty big concern, and while there are other positions that the Falcons could worry about, they could find a long-term answer in the middle of the defense with this pick.
Alabama’s Reuben Foster looks like a franchise middle linebacker, especially for Atlanta’s 4-3 defensive scheme. He’s an instinctive linebacker that can make big plays stuffing the run, rushing the passer or even dropping back into coverage.
The Crimson Tide consistently produce NFL-caliber linebackers, and Foster could be one of the best they’ve produced next to guys like C.J. Mosley. Atlanta could definitely use someone like that in 2017.