Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?

By John Buhler

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next
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

Inside Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Cincinnati Bengals need to hit on most of their picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Cincinnati had a miserable season last fall and lost key pieces on its offensive line to free agency. Head coach Marvin Lewis might finally be on the hot seat. Frankly, the AFC North could be heading for a downturn as a division.

That being said, Cincinnati will have its opportunities to get better with this draft. It’s not like the AFC North is unwinnable for the Bengals either. One guy that they should take at No. 9 is Alabama Crimson Tide inside linebacker Reuben Foster.

Foster is the best inside linebacker entering the draft. He will be able to come in and make a difference right away in the middle of the Bengals defense. Foster was a highly productive player in the same Alabama defense that went to back-to-back national championship games in 2015 and 2016.

Cincinnati is one of the few organizations that will overlook potential off-field issues if the Bengals feel that they can get production on the field. Alabama prospects tend to be beat up by the time they get to the league. Foster should be able to have the longest career of any of them. His versatility at middle linebacker would make him a steal at No. 9 for the Bengals if his head’s in it.

Home/NFL Mock Draft