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NFL team fits for top senior prospects
Now that we're into the second half of November, football season is in its home stretch. The top senior prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft are showing off their strengths, and NFL teams have their eyes on them as they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their roster.
The following 10 seniors have the potential to provide an NFL team with a missing link, and might even help a team get over the hump next year. I've included a team fit for all 10 of these players. They're ranked in order of the fits that I think are best (the stronger the fit, the higher they're ranked).
Team fit: Cleveland Browns
Cleveland might be looking to address the quarterback position early in the draft, but addressing the defensive backfield should also be a priority. Remember, they'll have two first-round picks this year (they acquired a first-rounder from Philadelphia in the trade that put the Eagles in position to draft Carson Wentz. Evans' speed and toughness make him a difference-maker in the back end.
Team fit: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons look to be playoff-bound, and starter Chris Chester is an 11-year veteran who is due to become a free agent. Plugging Feeney into the right guard spot should allow Matt Ryan to have a clean pocket and give the rushing duo of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman room to run.
Team fit: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys might have a hole in the secondary if Morris Claiborne is not re-signed. Tankersley's a good fit for the team, and might be available near the end of the first round, where Dallas could be picking.
Team fit: Oakland Raiders
Finding a leader in the middle of the defense would make head coach and former NFL linebacker Jack Del Rio a happy man. Davis brings the toughness and athleticism to contribute immediately.
Team fit: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have given up more than their fair share of big plays through the air this season. King will be an instant starter because he's not afraid to mix it up with any receiver.
Team fit: Cincinnati Bengals
Karlos Dansby, 35, is due to become a free agent, and the team isn't getting to the quarterback nearly enough. Williams is starting to show the all-around skills that the Bengals need in a 4-3 SAM linebacker.
Team fit: Carolina Panthers
With Charles Johnson due to become a free agent, the Panthers could use a strong-side end to play opposite Kony Ealy. Though it's possible Allen could play inside at the next level, his agility could make him an outstanding end.
Team fit: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay's pass rush is severely lacking. McKinley's athleticism and motor are starting to gain notice, and Green Bay should be one of the teams in line for his services.
Team fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones and James Harrison are due to become free agents after the season. Foster's a plug-and-play inside linebacker; the only question will be whether the Steelers will be picking high enough to select him.
Team fit: Miami Dolphins
Jordan Cameron's career in Miami is likely coming to a close, as he'll be a free agent. Butt's game is similar to Cameron's, which I'm sure will make quarterback Ryan Tannehill very happy.
