Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first 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 defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after bring brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after bring brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
9

Reuben Foster

LB, Alabama

The Cincinnati Bengals had a surprisingly bad season in 2016, and will be looking to getting back up to the top of the AFC North next year. Quarterback Andy Dalton is still one of the more solid signal-callers in the game, and wide receiver A.J. Green is one of the best in the business. They missed him when he was out with an injury this season, and with him back healthy in 2017, they should be just fine on the offensive side of the ball.

One area where they need to improve is at the linebacker position, where they are starting to get up there in age. They do have some great talent at the position, including guys like Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga, but injecting some youth has to be a priority. Head coach Marvin Lewis could be coaching for his life in 2017, and he is going to want both sides of the ball firing on all cylinders from day one.

Reuben Foster of the Alabama Crimson Tide is the best linebacker in this group, and some believe he may be at least the third best prospect in the draft. He is the kind of player who can play from sideline to sideline, and has the size and speed to play on the inside, or out. Foster has the kind of motor that head coaches dream about, and his style of play would be perfect in Cincinnati.

Home/NFL