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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-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 /
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Reuben Foster

LB, Alabama

With their second pick in the first round, we like the Cleveland Browns to continue to bolster their defense. Reuben Foster is a top-10 pick in nearly ever mock draft out there, but it is certainly possible that he can slip to the Browns at No. 12. The Browns need to continue to stockpile talent on their defense, and bringing in Foster to team with Jamie Collins at linebacker would give them quite the combo at the position next season.

Foster is an incredible talent, but questions came up during the NFL Scouting Combine. The linebacker was asked to leave the combine after an altercation with a hospital worker, but it should not affect his draft status. The Browns are building a nice program in Cleveland for the first time in a long time, and head coach Hue Jackson would be a nice fit for Foster as he starts his NFL journey.

The Browns have a ton of draft picks next week, and while they may move this pick, there is enough talent that they can really improve their team picking twice in the first 12 picks. This draft is loaded with defensive talent, and while their offense is nothing to write home about, a solid defense could win them games in the AFC North. If Cleveland can bring in Foster and Garrett to a defense that already has Collins and Joe Haden, you have to think it is not out of the realm of possibility for them to win at least five games next season.

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