2017 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback rush gets bigger

Reuben Foster . 12. player. 50. Losing Calvin Johnson was a tipping point for the Detroit Lions. Their defense hasn’t been what it was back in 2014 and without him, their offense went from really good to okay. That does not translate to being a winning team. Particularly when they have to play in such a competitive division like the NFC North. Jim Caldwell may be feeling the heat by the end of this season. <p>The quad injury to DeAndre Levy reinforces just how thin the Lions have become at linebacker. Rookie Antwione Williams must now step up in his place while Tahir Whitehead and Kyle Van Noy try to cover up the loss too. Suffice to say this group not only lacks depth but now proven playmakers. Need alone might compel the front office to act early in this draft.</p> <p>In such cases it’s best to go get players who can start right away. Alabama is always a program that offers such types and linebacker is one of their specialties. Reuben Foster has become the big name rising up boards of late. A sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker who racks up tackles and plays excellent downhill. He’s got the instincts to shoot gaps for plays in the backfield but also enough range to play coverage.</p>. ILB. Alabama