"When Reuben is out there, I think everyone can see he is a very good player but by no means has he fully arrived," Shanahan said on KNBR. "He's still got a long way to go, still can get a lot better."
While Foster has only played in five NFL games, the rookie has looked pretty good so far. That was also the case in college at Alabama. He became one of general manager John Lynch's draft crushes as he started scouting players for the 2017 draft. When Lynch would go to study Alabama's other defensive players, Foster's play kept distracting him.
The 49ers loved Foster so much that when Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan saw a window of opportunity to trade back into the first round of April's draft and take the exciting player, they jumped at the chance.
Foster wasn't just impressive in college. He was fun to watch in high school too. As a senior at Auburn High, Foster recorded 80 tackles and two sacks. He participated in the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game and was named the game's defensive MVP.
Below is some of Foster's high school highlights, and it is worth a watch. It was brought to our attention by former 49ers best writer Kevin Jones, who posted it on Twitter.
PFF high on this cornerback for 49ers in mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
Analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic grades former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa as a second or third-round draft pick and ranks him 55th overall on his big board. Pro Football Focus, however, holds a higher opinion of the young defensive back. In his latest mock draft, the site's lead analyst, Sam Monson, has the San Francisco 49ers selecting Tampa with the No. 31 overall pick.
"T.J. Tampa fits the prototype of a 49ers cornerback," Monson explains. "He has had consecutive seasons of very impressive play and allowed just 240 yards on 49 targets last season. The team doesn't necessarily need him to make an immediate impact, but they could
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
Draft Watch: 49ers met with Appalachian State LB Andrew Parker
By David Bonilla
Apr 21
Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers met with former Appalachian State linebacker Andrew Parker as part of their pre-draft evaluations.
.@AppState_FB LB Andrew Parker recorded a team high 114 tackles 2023. 10'4 broad, 38.5" vertical, 6.90 3-cone + 4.26 shuttle at Pro Day.Met scouts from #Titans, #Chargers,
Draft Watch: 49ers interview Kentucky TE Brenden Bates
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
Add another tight end to the list of players the San Francisco 49ers have expressed interest in. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports that the team has spoken with former Kentucky tight end Brenden Bates as part of its pre-draft evaluation process.
Kentucky @UKFootball tight end Brenden Bates (6-5, 247, 4.62, 7.07 3-cone drill) working out privately #Bengals Tuesday, per a league source, interviews with Cincinnati
