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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 11

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-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 /

Alabama. Reuben Foster. 9. player. 32. . LB

Shocker, right? Another Alabama player taken in the top 10, but that’s what happens when the team has been considered the best in the country for the better part of a decade. Nick Saban has been churning out NFL talent year after year and this draft might be loaded with Crimson Tide stars.

Alabama’s defensive unit is elite for a reason — there are about 6-8 prospects starting this season. OK, in reality, there are probably 11 guys on the defense who have a legitimate shot to be drafted at some point, but Reuben Foster is up there at the top.

The senior inside linebacker has solid size and elite instincts. He can drop back in pass coverage as well as step up against the run. He’s not the kind of linebacker that will have a ton of success with blitzing, but he won’t be asked to do that with the Cardinals.

Arizona’s defense has been one of the best in the NFL in recent years and adding another young stud like Foster will make it that much scarier. A linebacker who can cover well and who isn’t afraid to step up and plug a hole fits right in with this aggressive team.

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