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CrashDavisSports
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Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The Bengals signed Karlos Dansby to be their second linebacker last offseason. Dansby wasn't horrible, but his play from 2015 definitely declined, and he's now a free agent anyway. Cincinnati could definitely target Reuben Foster at No. 9 overall, especially if it thinks he's the best player available.
Foster is obviously a stud linebacker worthy of being a top-10 selection. The only concern with him is that he has suffered multiple concussions already, but Marvin Lewis has repeatedly stated that he doesn't believe in concussions, so I don't think the Bengals will care.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The pick for Cincinnati could come down to deciding if a pass rusher makes more of an impact than Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. If the lean is pass rusher, Thomas is the best one available. He can work the edge, and move inside in certain situations.
Should they draft a quarterback? AJ McCarron could get traded this offseason, so finding a backup to Andy Dalton may become a need. This is another team where Peterman would be a fit.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
After five straight playoff seasons, Cincinnati took a step back in 2016. The offense seems set, so look for them to address the defense. They could use another pass-rusher opposite Carlos Dunlap, or they could find another linebacker alongside Vontaze Burfict. If the latter, Alabama's Reuben Foster would be a fine choice. Foster is a complete inside linebacker and plays very aggressively in every phase. He's a brick wall against the run, can drop back in coverage to defend passes over the middle and get after the quarterback as a blitzer. He's an AFC North type of player and could be an immediate upgrade in the heart of the Bengals' defense.
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9 Mike Williams WR Clemson
Williams would be a matchup nightmare playing on the opposite side of A.J. Green.
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9 Cincinnati Derek Barnett* DE Tennessee 6' 3" 257
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9 Cincinnati | Solomon Thomas | Stanford
The Bengals are in need of something special after such an abysmal season. That something special could and should be a dominant pass rusher. Ending the season with 33 sacks from a D-Line that's been considered one of the best in recent years is a complete letdown. They need help. Solomon Thomas is a tenacious player who is relentless when getting to the QB. Thomas could bring energy back to the D-Line that pretty much just coasted through the season on autopilot. Margus Hunt is on the bubble and Michael Johnson isn't physical enough to shed blocks. Atkins and Dunlap need support, and Thomas can answer that call. Cincinnati may consider trading down for more picks, which could help if Coach Lewis feels the need for depth outweighs a top-flight talent. Passing on Thomas would be hard considering his game-changing abilities and the possibility he could work his way onto the starting lineup fairly quickly. He would definitely upgrade the D-Line and generate competition amongst his peers.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
The Bengals signed Karlos Dansby to be their second linebacker last offseason. Dansby wasn't horrible, but his play from 2015 definitely declined, and he's now a free agent anyway. Cincinnati could definitely target Reuben Foster at No. 9 overall, especially if it thinks he's the best player available.
Foster is obviously a stud linebacker worthy of being a top-10 selection. The only concern with him is that he has suffered multiple concussions already, but Marvin Lewis has repeatedly stated that he doesn't believe in concussions, so I don't think the Bengals will care.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
The pick for Cincinnati could come down to deciding if a pass rusher makes more of an impact than Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. If the lean is pass rusher, Thomas is the best one available. He can work the edge, and move inside in certain situations.
Should they draft a quarterback? AJ McCarron could get traded this offseason, so finding a backup to Andy Dalton may become a need. This is another team where Peterman would be a fit.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
After five straight playoff seasons, Cincinnati took a step back in 2016. The offense seems set, so look for them to address the defense. They could use another pass-rusher opposite Carlos Dunlap, or they could find another linebacker alongside Vontaze Burfict. If the latter, Alabama's Reuben Foster would be a fine choice. Foster is a complete inside linebacker and plays very aggressively in every phase. He's a brick wall against the run, can drop back in coverage to defend passes over the middle and get after the quarterback as a blitzer. He's an AFC North type of player and could be an immediate upgrade in the heart of the Bengals' defense.
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9 Mike Williams WR Clemson
Williams would be a matchup nightmare playing on the opposite side of A.J. Green.
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9 Cincinnati Derek Barnett* DE Tennessee 6' 3" 257
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9 Cincinnati | Solomon Thomas | Stanford
The Bengals are in need of something special after such an abysmal season. That something special could and should be a dominant pass rusher. Ending the season with 33 sacks from a D-Line that's been considered one of the best in recent years is a complete letdown. They need help. Solomon Thomas is a tenacious player who is relentless when getting to the QB. Thomas could bring energy back to the D-Line that pretty much just coasted through the season on autopilot. Margus Hunt is on the bubble and Michael Johnson isn't physical enough to shed blocks. Atkins and Dunlap need support, and Thomas can answer that call. Cincinnati may consider trading down for more picks, which could help if Coach Lewis feels the need for depth outweighs a top-flight talent. Passing on Thomas would be hard considering his game-changing abilities and the possibility he could work his way onto the starting lineup fairly quickly. He would definitely upgrade the D-Line and generate competition amongst his peers.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
Getting younger, faster and smarter at linebacker has to be a top-tier priority for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. Adding a plug-and-play stud like Reuben Foster accomplishes that in one pick.
Foster's range, instincts and tackling skill set are among the best you'll see at middle linebacker in college. He's tailor-made for the pro game with his speed to the edge and what he's been asked to do as the "Mike" linebacker for Alabama. Compared to former Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley, I like Foster's upside and athleticism more.
The Bengals are well-positioned on the offensive line and with skill position players on offense, but fixing the defense will be something Marvin Lewis and his staff cannot ignore or put off.