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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) communicates at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) communicates at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

56. . LB. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 9. player

It only took seven picks between Alabama players selected in the first round. After watching Jonathan Allen go No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Browns, Reuben Foster might not be too far behind, landing with in-state foe, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati had a disappointing year. This was supposed to be a playoff season, but the Bengals didn’t get the job done on either side of the ball. A.J. Green and Giovanni Bernard suffered tough injuries and the defense struggled, but now’s the time to regroup and focus on 2017.

The Bengals need an edge rusher and a center, but there’s no way they would ever reach for the latter this early in the draft. Another top need is linebacker and the No. 1 player at that position in this draft might just be available by their pick.

Reuben Foster has been a nightmare for offenses this season and the Alabama linebacker is considered a top-five talent by many draft experts. He could go as high as No. 3 overall, but it’s likely that he will slip to this spot. He’s instinctive, has good size for an inside linebacker and is improving his blitzing techniques.

Foster has 103 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks on the season — all of which are career-highs.

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