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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-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 /

Hard to believe really the Bengals were a legitimate contender coming out of the AFC North just two years ago.

Their team, and defense specifically, has certainly fallen off a bit. They still have a good nucleus of talent to build from, but need some big-time leadership and talent transfused.

Alabama’s Reuben Foster is just the guy to awaken the talent lying dormant in the Bengals defense, and his leadership can’t really be questioned.

Sure, he had a flare up with a staff member at the NFL Combine, but no damning stories have surfaced and nothing points to it being anything more than an isolated incident.

Anyone believe players and team medical staff haven’t had the occasional spat? No? Alright then, moving on.

Foster’s talent is so solid that seeing him at ninth overall gives the feel of a slide while he still gets taken in the Top-10.

An immediate starter for Cincinnati, the Crimson Tide prospect would team up to become downright scary playing alongside Vontaze Burfict.

Adding Foster to the defensive talent along with Browns’ top pick Myles Garrett should get the attention of the Steelers and Ravens as they patiently wait for their first grab off the big board.

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