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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) as he slides during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) as he slides during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 46. . LB. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 10

The needs for the Colts mostly come on the defensive side of the ball and that’s where inside linebacker Reuben Foster comes in to play. He’s one of the most instinctive players in this draft class and he could be a steal at No. 10 overall.

Indianapolis needs some help at the aging linebacker position and a youth movement aided by Foster would be ideal. Sure, Andrew Luck could use some help on the offensive line, but no one is worth reaching for at this position of the draft. Also, the Colts could potentially pick a running back in this spot with Frank Gore nearing the end of his career.

It’s obvious that Foster has gotten better over the past three years as he grew from a role player to the leader in the middle of Alabama’s vaunted defense. Truthfully, you could blindfold yourself and pick any player on Alabama’s defense and he’d probably be worth a first-round selection.

However, the Mike linebacker has been a force for the past two season, improving in just about every area from his junior to senior season. In fact, he has a career-high 83 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks to go along with two pass deflections this season.

Foster has the ideal build for the inside linebacker position and he’s solid against the run and even dropping back in coverage. However, don’t expect him to be much of a pass rusher — he only has four sacks in three years.

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