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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) lines up for a play during the first quarter in 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) lines up for a play during the first quarter in 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

The Alabama Crimson Tide have had the best defense in college football the last few seasons, and their big man in the middle is a big reason why. Reuben Foster has been the heart and soul of the Alabama defense the past couple of years, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in the country. He is the best linebacker prospect in this draft, and while the offseason has been a rough one, he certainly is not going to be available past pick No. 12.

Foster is a legitimate prospect, who would team with Jamie Collins to give the Browns a dominant tandem at the linebacker position. He can play all over the field, and plays the game with an incredible motor, which enables him to cover sideline to sideline. There has been some questions about his character leading up to the draft, but none of that should stop him from being a first rounder tonight.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Foster was asked to go home, after fighting with a hospital worker. Then came the news that his urine sample was diluted, which in NFL terms, means he failed a drug test. During his time with Alabama, Foster was a model student-athlete, and no team should be afraid to take him in the first round. If the Browns do land him at No. 12, the combination of Foster and Garrett in round one would be an “A” grade for sure.

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