2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense dominates for the Packers

Reuben Foster. 9. player. 56. With the aging Rey Maualuga and volatile Vontaze Burfict, Foster could be more than just added depth to the Bengals linebacking corps. Scouts describe Foster as explosive and dynamic. He is a prototypical middle linebacker and if he’s available at nine, the Bengals should seize the opportunity. – Thomas Friesen. Linebacker. Alabama

Alabama. Jonathan Allen. 10. player. 16. Teams always talk about a “best player available” mentality, and Buffalo has a chance to do more than just give lip service to it with Allen. Other positions have more pressing needs (like WR) but getting Allen gives them what could return them to being a devastating defensive line immediately. With new head coach Sean McDermott in tow, a return to a 4-3 base is inevitable, and putting Allen with Marcel Dareus, Kyle Williams, and Jerry Hughes gives Buffalo a high-level group which has the talent to rival what McDermott had in Carolina. – Kenn Korb. Defensive Line

11. player. 15. The Saints seem to have one of the worst defenses year after year. Although Cameron Jordan has been fantastic, nothing will pull a defense out of a slump like two top edge rushers. Barnett can help create that spark. – Ryan Schlipp. Defensive End. Tennessee. Derek Barnett

Cleveland would be crazy to draft a QB at number one. Rumor is they are considering this guy. If he falls to number twelve, it should make life easy for them. Although, I’m not sure anyone comes out on top here. – Josh McPeak. Quarterback. North Carolina. Mitchell Trubisky. 12. player. 53