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2017 NFL Draft: Week 14 Prospect Stock Report

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) reacts after a defensive stop against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) reacts after a defensive stop against the Florida Gators during the first quarter of the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Tarell Basham
Sep 10, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks punter Cole Moos (36) is tackled by Ohio Bobcats defensive lineman Tarell Basham (93) on a muffed punt in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Ohio won 37-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Defense

Tarell Basham (DE – Ohio): Despite coming out on the losing side of the MAC title game, Tarell Basham made his presence known to NFL scouts Friday night. He only managed 0.5 sacks in the game, but consistently created pressure in the Western Michigan backfield.

It didn’t matter whether Basham lined up on the left or right side of the line. He was able to beat both right tackle Taylor Moton, who he will be teammates with at the Senior Bowl, and left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, who is a candidate to play in Mobile next year.

Basham is likely going to be a late-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His stock is on the rise after his performance at the MAC title game and he can continue to climb draft boards with similar performances at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine.

Reuben Foster (ILB – Alabama): Reuben Foster improved his draft stock in the majority of games he played in this season, but his play in the SEC title game was as impressive as any game he’s played in. Foster led the way for the Crimson Tide, recording a team-high 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

To understand why trick plays don’t work against Alabama, just watch Reuben Foster on this play. Florida has six blockers along the line of scrimmage against five Alabama defenders. At the snap, Foster charges into the backfield from his linebacker position to attack the running back. He diagnoses the play almost immediately and turns his focus to the quarterback. Once the pitch is made back to the QB, there isn’t enough time to unload the ball as Foster and company have already closed in. The only option is to take a 12-yard sack.

Foster’s instincts are second to none and are the reason why he’s going to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He won’t be selected as eary as teammate Jonathan Allen, but Foster should be off the board within the first 20-25 selections.

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