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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
9

Reuben Foster

LB, Alabama

Incredibly, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has never won a playoff game during his long tenure with the team. Despite the fact the Bengals were loaded with talent last season, the team failed to make the postseason, and the time has come for the organization to possibly make a move at head coach. Lewis is going to get another shot in 2017, but another year out of the playoffs could spell the end of the Lewis Era in Cincy.

At No. 9, the Bengals should look to bolster their linebacking corps, and Reuben Foster is the best linebacker in this draft. Foster is an incredibly fun player to watch, possessing the kind of athleticism that enables him to make plays all over the field. He has been the backbone of one of the best defenses in college football history the past few seasons, and should bring a winning attitude into the NFL.

The Bengals have some talented players on offense, and quarterback Andy Dalton played at a Pro Bowl level in 2016. The team is going to put up points, but they really struggled in getting stops on third down last season. Bringing in an impact linebacker is going to fix some of those issues, and if the Bengals can make it to the playoffs next season, Lewis could find a second life in Cincinnati.

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