NFL mock draft 2017: Quarterbacks dominate first round

The Cincinnati Bengals are at a crossroads. After missing the playoffs for the first time in the Andy Dalton era, head coach Marvin Lewis is staring at a one-year deal. Owner and general manager Mike Brown allowed a bevy of talent to walk out the door in free agency this offseason, including left tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Kevin Zeitler. In addition, the Bengals moved on from aging inside linebacker Rey Maualuga. With a void at linebacker, the Bengals would be wise to scoop up Reuben Foster here. Foster was a dominant star at Alabama, much in the way Reggie Ragland was.

Foster would be a terrific fit next to Vontaze Burfict, who despite his antics remains one of the better players at his position. We all know the red flag that popped up with Foster at the combine, but Cincinnati has never shied away from taking a gamble on character issues. Cincinnati, despite going 6-9-1 last year, doesn’t have a ton of obvious issues. The Bengals will address the offensive line at some point, but have no options this high in the first round. A tradedown is possible for the Bengals should the right deal come along, but Cincinnati should stay right here and nab Foster if possible.