NFL Mock Draft: 16-20

Oct 18, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State)

With the 17th pick in the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select defensive end Shilique Calhoun from the Michigan State Spartans. The Bengals’ defense has had a lot of injuries but sometimes looks like it can’t get out of the way fast enough for opposing offenses. So Calhoun is a good pick here because he’s the best defensive player on the board at this time.

The Bengals dwell right around the bottom of the NFL in pass defense and run defense and he can help with both. He plays the run well but he’s a guy that can really get after an opposing team’s quarterback and the Bengals need that. Playing against Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and an emerging Brian Hoyer for a total of six times won’t be fun without a pass rush.