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2017 NFL Mock Draft, Week 12: Watson, Kizer loom

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs after a catch in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs after a catch in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) grabs Chattanooga Mocs running back Alex Trotter (24) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) grabs Chattanooga Mocs running back Alex Trotter (24) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

LB. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 6. player. 56.

Before the season, there is no way one would have considered the Cincinnati Bengals would be drafting early in the 2017 draft. However, they have played some bad football this season, and this past week, lost their star wide receiver for the season. The 2016 season is looking like a lost cause, so the Bengals may be able to add a very good draft pick to a roster that is ready to win now.

One area of need is the linebacking corps, where the team needs to infuse a good young middle linebacker. Reuben Foster of the Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the best prospects in this draft, and he would fit right in to Marvin Lewis’ scheme on defense. He is a hard-nosed player who has been a cornerstone of the Tides’ dynasty over the past few seasons.

Cincinnati is having a bad year, but they have the talent to be back in the playoff hunt in 2017. They do not have a ton of needs, and if A.J. Green comes back healthy next season, they will be right back atop the AFC North. Bringing in a high-octane player like Foster would give them incredible depth on a defensive unit that already boasts players like Rey Maualuga and Vontaze Burfict.

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