2017 NFL Mock Draft: 7 Rounds of Trade-Fueled Action

player. 56. After a successful run of playoff appearances, the Cincinnati Bengals crashed back to earth last season. Several roster losses really told on them as the division grew more difficult with the Steelers and Ravens on the rise again. One of their bigger disappointments was the defense. It ranked 17th overall in the NFL and 21st against the run. Their front seven wasn’t able to dictate games like it has in the past. Clearly they need more help in that area. <p>Middle linebacker is a position they’ve skated by on with solid, if unremarkable veterans and Ray Maualuga. That will change the moment Reuben Foster arrives. Don’t read too much into his scouting combine incident. Odds are it won’t impact his draft status much at all. He’s still an alpha male at the position who hunts ball carriers with a purpose and ferocity. He tackles all night and day, can deliver some vicious hits. That belies how athletic he can be in coverage. Just the man in the middle the Bengals want.</p>. ILB. Alabama. Reuben Foster . 9