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NFL Draft: Early Look at 32-Team Round 1 Mock for 2017

By Peter Panacy

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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Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) does a video on a phone after the game against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) does a video on a phone after the game against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

22. player. 28. . Inside Linebacker. Oakland Raiders. Reuben Foster

The Oakland Raiders ascension has been something to watch, but this team still needs plenty of defensive help.

Upgrades to the secondary might be more pressing of a concern, but passing on inside linebacker Reuben Foster out of Alabama would be something general manager Reggie McKenzie simply isn’t willing to do.

Foster was overshadowed by former Crimson Tide teammate Reggie Ragland a year ago, but it’s not a knock against Foster’s sheer ability and aggression.

Oakland pairing Foster on the inside with fellow outside linebacker Khalil Mack would be a scary thing for its front-seven defense.