2017 NFL Mock Draft: Creative Trades Dominate QB Position
By Erik Lambert
![Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Alabama. Reuben Foster . 9. player. 56. The talent advantages that the Cincinnati Bengals enjoyed between 2011 and 2014 seems to be drying up as a host of players continue to leave via free agency. It falls on the front office and coaching staff to replace this losses via the draft. Not impossible but always difficult. They can’t attack every need by priority. It has to remain about getting the best players possible and then adjusting to the roster strengths for the upcoming season. <p>When was the last time the Bengals had a truly good middle linebacker under Marv Lewis. Ray Maualuga has been a steady veteran presence but hardly a star. Reuben Foster has a chance to become the first stud at that position in Cincinnati. He showed his prowess as a hunter and destroyer of ball carriers at Alabama. He’s a violent human being who can tackle, hit and blitz. His athleticism also make him less of a liability in coverage.</p>. ILB