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Cincinnati Bengals: Six Players to Eye In The Top 10

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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) works out prior to the ACC Championship college football game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) works out prior to the ACC Championship college football game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) attends a press conference after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) attends a press conference after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Reuben Foster

Foster is a man to be feared in the middle. The unanimous All American and winner of the Butkus award, an award given to the top linebacker in the country, is a threat at all times. Foster is the leading tackler at Alabama. He leads the team with 94 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 8 quarterback pressures and 2 passes broken up, according to Yahoo sports.

Foster is the third linebacker at Alabama to win the Butkus. He joined the likes of C.J. Mosley and Rolando McClain. Both of whom have had pretty good careers so far.

The Bengals need help at the second level and that’s obvious. Vontaze Burfict is one of the best linebackers in the league, but struggles to stay on the field. He hasn’t played a full season since his two break out seasons in 2012 and 2013. Since 2014, Burfict has missed 22 of a possible 48 games due to injuries and suspensions.

Rey Maualuga has basically been demoted to a backup role. He has always been a one trick pony, strong in stopping the run, but a liability in the pass, however for the amount that he is being paid, Cincinnati could look to be making a change.

Karlos Dansby has had a solid season, but is now 35 years old. P.J. Dawson, the once very promising player out of TCU was cut earlier this season, but ha since returned to the practice squad. The problem with Dawson is that he has yet to learn how to be a professional. His slow development has given Cincinnati a reason to draft Nick Vigil last season and allow Vincent Rey to continue to perform.

Foster would almost certainly be able to come in and start right away, given Marvin Lewis would allow him to. If Foster is anything like the previous Alabama Butkus winners, Cincinnati could have an annual pro bowler on their hands.

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