2017 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Conference Championship Edition

Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next

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

Things went downhill fast this year for the Cincinnati Bengals, but on the bright side they should be able to regroup and make another run at the playoffs in 2017. With a top-10 pick at their disposal, the Bengals can afford to sit back and wait for the best available player to fall to them.

In this scenario, that would be Alabama’s Reuben Foster. Although inside linebackers aren’t nearly as valuable as they used to be, I still have Foster as my No. 3-graded prospect in this draft class. Alabama has produced some stellar linebackers over the years, but no one has come out of that program with the tape that Foster has produced.

Any time you turn on Foster’s tape, you’re immediately met with an instinctive linebacker with elite closing speed who is capable of laying some huge hits on ball carriers. He also has great size for the position, coming in at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds.

Foster is more than capable of stopping the run or dropping back into coverage, and he continues to improve as a blitzer. The only major concern is how well Foster will be able to adjust to play against NFL talent, but everything he showed this season screams future Pro Bowler. The Bengals could use a guy like that to pair with Vontaze Burfict.