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2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections after Week 3

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

44. . LB. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 10. player

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.

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