*NOTE: EVERY PLAYER LISTED I HAVE SEEN PLAY IN PERSON AND/OR WATCHED EXTENSIVELY ON FILM
Round 1 (#9): Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama:
The Bengals lack of explosion on defense was palpable last year. In a league where offense is becoming more and more about individual matchups and “athletes in space” you better have as many fast-twitch playmakers out there as possible. Reuben Foster solves that problem. He is the LB you need in today’s football: can play sideline to sideline, can blitz, AND can cover TEs/RBs in space. A nickel package (which the Bengals predominantly used last year) consisting of Vontaez Burfict and Reuben Foster gives you two multi-tool LBs that can be utilized in multiple ways by DC Paul Guenther. I think Foster is one of the few special talents in the draft, maybe second only to DE Myles Garrett.
Other possibilities: Tennessee DE Derek Barnett, Alabama TE OJ Howard
Round 2 (#41): Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
Some will say Willis is a reach because he isn’t a “pure pass rusher” whatever that means. Bottom line is he was a consistent dominating force on the edge producing 21 sacks over the last two seasons while also setting the edge against the run as well. He was a three year starter and 2016 Big 12 Defensive POY. Great size at 6’4” and 255 lbs who tore up the combine with an unreal 4.53 40yd dash and shuttle drill times better than most of the DBs. However the biggest reason I like Willis is he is a high motor, relentless football player who is going to bloody your nose and give an offensive lineman a long day at the office. When I watched him play he was as ferocious in the fourth quarter as he was in the first quarter. You want guys on your team that the opposing players HATE going up against and Willis is that guy.
Other possibilities: Ohio State C Pat Elflein, Ohio State CB Gareon Conley
Round 3 (#73) Taylor Moton, OG, Western Kentucky
Moton played right tackle last year but has played guard in the past and I think translates better to OG in the NFL. Has a massive frame (6’5”, 325 lbs) and the way he drive blocks guys off the line fires me up. This team must replace Zeitler to produce holes for the run game and Moton can be that guy. He has the size and the athleticism. The fact that he can also play OT makes him valuable as well.
Other possibilities: Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon, East Carolina WR Zay Jones