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2017 NFL mock draft: Trades aplenty in Round 1 in AA writer’s mock draft

By Matt Conner

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 7: Linebacker Reuben Foster
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 7: Linebacker Reuben Foster /

Pick: 24
Team: Oakland Raiders
Selection: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Reuben Foster is the most talented linebacker in the 2017 draft. He has received comparisons to Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, but off the field issues could cause him to fall to the Raiders who have a real weakness at the position.

Foster was a two-year starter at Alabama and leader of the best defense in the country last season. The Crimson Tide allowed just two yards per carry and Foster was a big reason for that. Foster finished the 2016 season with 115 tackles, five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Foster also led all FBS linebackers in run-stop percentage in 2016 according to Pro Football Focus. Foster was not as statistically active in the passing game last season, but finished the 2015 season with seven passes deflected. He was no slouch in 2016, though, finishing eighth among linebackers in his pass-coverage grade.

The Oakland Raiders finished the 2016 season 26th in total yards allowed, 24th in pass yards and 23rd in rush yards. A player of Foster’s quality could help the defense improve in every aspect. The Raiders have a hole left at weakside linebacker left by Malcom Smith. Smith will not be a huge loss for Oakland, as Smith finished last season with a PFF grade of 49. Foster could help make the Raiders’ linebacking core a true strength by pairing up with Perry Riley who received a grade of 84. [Anthony Crane]

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