Reuben Foster | Page 1262 | 49ers Webzone Forum

slowriot · 2017-04-27T20:46:54-07:00

"I thought he'd be a top five pick. He's one of the best three, four linebackers to come out of college football in the last 10 years" - Linebackers coach Johnny Holland NFL.com OVERVIEW Alabama's star inside linebacker started his ascension to elite prospect status last summer when he lost 20 pounds. His newfound speed and agility, while keeping his trademark aggression and instincts, made him a unanimous first-team All-American and All-SEC pick. Foster also won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and was a finalist for the Bednarik Award, leading the Tide with 115 tackles, 13 for which went for losses including five sacks. He won the SEC Championship MVP, as well (11 tackles, 2.5 for loss, two sacks). Foster was a starter as a junior (73 tackles, eight TFL, two sacks, nine pass break-ups) after two seasons as a key reserve MIKE linebacker and special teams ace (12 tackles in 2013; 22 tackles, two TFL in 2014). ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Alpha mentality with ferocious hitting style that puts offensive skill positions on alert. Outstanding athlete with springy, reactive feet. Lost 15 pounds in off-season, which gave him more speed and explosiveness. Loose hips and long stride allows him to open and chase immediately. Has elite sideline-to-sideline range. Tough as nails. Brings swagger to a linebacking corps. Never passive and always means it. Willing to take his shots downhill and into gaps. Lands strong warning blows on climbing guards early in the game. Coverage ability is an asset. Logged 10 passes defensed in 2015. Can carry long speed against running backs on wheel routes and nine routes. Has worked to improve tackling technique, which has yielded higher success rate of finishes. WEAKNESSES Instincts are just average. Overly reliant on speed and athleticism over instincts and feel. Can be a tick slow to respond to play-action. Inconsistent defeating blocks. Too eager to take on everyone at the point of attack. Gets shoulder covered up firing into incoming blockers. Needs to improve stack and shed technique to keep himself clean. Will drop his head at times as tackler. Poor tackling technique led to "stinger" issues early in his career. DRAFT PROJECTION Round 1 SOURCES TELL US "He's not a MIKE linebacker. I think he's a pure run-and-hit WILL linebacker with good cover talent. I'm worried about what his medicals will show because he's had some issues with stingers during his career. I have a higher grade on him than I had on Reggie Ragland. Better pro potential to me." -- NFC director of scoutingNFL COMPARISON Bobby Wagner BOTTOM LINE Foster is a vicious hitter with elite playmaking range and an ability to toggle between 225 and 240 pounds. Athleticism gives him cover ability that former teammate Reggie Ragland never possessed. Has Pro Bowl potential as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 weak-side linebacker, but concerns over his medical history could be a consideration, according to some teams. CBS PLAYER OVERVIEW Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was Alabama's best player in 2016. Foster, because of his potential and skill set, wasn't far behind in the mind of most NFL scouts. Starting for just the second season of his college career in 2016, Foster immediately erased concerns as to how Alabama might replace last year's leader and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Reggie Ragland, winning the Butkus Award and consensus All-American honors with 115 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. Like many Alabama players, Foster signed with the Tide as an elite prep prospect, earning consensus prep All-American honors and being ranked the top inside linebacker prospect in the country. He capped his prep career with an invitation to the 2013 Under Armour All-America game, where he was named Defensive MVP. Despite the buzz, Foster had to wait his turn before seeing the field, only emerging as a full-time starter as a junior. While waiting for his turn at linebacker, Foster developed a reputation as a fierce hitter on special teams coverage units, registering 12 tackles as a true freshman in 2013 and 22 stops (including two for loss and a sack) as a sophomore before enjoying a breakout campaign at WILL linebacker in 2015, finishing second to Reggie Ragland - the SEC Defensive Player of the Year - with 73 tackles (including eight for loss) and behind only nickel cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick with nine pass breakups. As the NFL has increasingly turned to the passing game, inside linebackers have dropped in value. That won't be the case with Foster, however, whose sideline to sideline speed, explosive hitting and experience in coverage makes him one of the few linebackers in recent years who truly projects as a three-down defender at the position. With all due respect to Ragland - a more instinctive and reliable open-field tackler than Foster - this latest Alabama star at linebacker projects even better to the NFL. STRENGTHS: At a rock solid 6-1, 240 pounds with broad shoulders, a trim middle and well-built limbs, Foster offers prototypical size for an inside linebacker role. His greatest attribute, however, is his pure explosiveness. Whether it be his outstanding sideline-to-sideline speed or the impact he generates with his collisions, Foster is a heat-seeking missile hell-bent on destruction. Just as aggressive as he is athletic, Foster attacks would-be blockers in the running game, jolting opponents with a powerful punch that can leave them staggering. When blockers are successful in latching onto him, Foster shows impressive leg drive and balance to anchor, creating a pile runners have to avoid and easy tackle opportunities for teammates. Foster is a true lights-out hitter, generating bone-rattling hits due to his acceleration and compact frame. He launches himself into ballcarriers, typically wrapping his arms securely, as well, for the flashy but efficient take-down. Foster shows acute diagnosis skills. He takes sharp angles to the ball, often beating blockers to the action and surprising ballcarriers with his closing speed. Foster keeps his eyes locked onto the quarterback when in coverage, breaking quickly as the pass is released, often initiating contact with the intended receiver just as the ball arrives. WEAKNESSES: At times, Foster appears too athletic and aggressive for his own good. His sharp pursuit angles leave little room for error and, at times, he can get a little too far over his skis, flailing his arms to keep his balance while throttling down to change direction. Savvy quarterbacks can manipulate Foster with their eyes and he'll lose track of receivers around him, closing the gap between them only after the ball is being thrown. While this can result in some big collisions (and passes broken up), Foster can improve his coverage with greater route awareness and patience. To this point, Foster's calling card has been his explosive hits, but he has to be careful about lowering his head when tackling. Further, he remains unpolished as a pass rusher. Foster's power and aggression shine through when rushing the quarterback, but he is largely reliant on a simple bull rush or shoulder dip. Suffered various "minor" injuries in 2016, including to his arm, knee and head (concussion), each of which will require careful evaluation from team doctors at the Combine. IN OUR VIEW: With all due respect to Myles Garrett and the rest of this dynamic edge rusher class, Foster might just be the most explosive defender in the entire 2017 draft. An intimidating face-up hitter with sideline-to-sideline speed, Foster projects as an immediate difference-maker in the middle in the NFL and a possible top 10 choice. COMPARES TO: Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers (retired): Willis did it at a higher level for longer at Mississippi but he did not have to wait his turn like Foster at Alabama, who was left to star in a supporting role on defense and special teams early. Once unleashed, however, his sheer explosiveness made him an undeniable force for the Tide. If able to remain healthy - a legitimate concern given the mighty collisions he creates - Foster projects as a future Pro Bowler. --Rob Rang (1/23/17)

May 20, 2019 at 3:26 PM

#18916

RiceOwensStokes
Veteran
Posts: 9,482

Originally posted by TonyStarks:
At least he didn't go FULL Aldon.dude at least tried.kind of. Idk. FU*K HIM there I said it. I feel better now.

He didn't try, he went back with the same b***h that nearly killed his career, just for her to pull the same b******t at the team hotel. He's a p***y whipped dumbass who f**ked over the team

Fyi he's still with her, and he'll have plenty of time to spend with her now

[ Edited by Aj_hwd954 on May 20, 2019 at 3:27 PM ]

May 20, 2019 at 3:27 PM

#18917

ninerfan4life
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Posts: 26,810

Justice has been served!

May 20, 2019 at 3:28 PM

#18918

DonnieDarko
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Posts: 66,337

dude had so much potential...

May 20, 2019 at 3:32 PM

#18919

GhostOfBaalke
Veteran
Posts: 6,115

Originally posted by Aj_hwd954:
He didn't try, he went back with the same b***h that nearly killed his career, just for her to pull the same b******t at the team hotel. He's a p***y whipped dumbass who f**ked over the team

He didn't f**k the team over. The team f**ked themselves over picking a LB in the first round with reported attitude problems, undersized AND an injury history, other teams thought his shoulder surgery didn't take but of course we thought it was fine. They took a risk that 30 other teams didn't want to take that early and we paid for it.

May 20, 2019 at 3:36 PM

#18920

PowderdToastMn
Veteran
Posts: 9,043

This is a weird one. It is hard to not feel somewhat vindicated that this blew up in Washington's face. It is also hard to not feel bad for Foster as a human. Mainly because he has been a product of his environment, and I hate seeing people self-destruct the way he has. I cannot remember another career that was such a disaster so quickly. At least Aldon had a season two before he went off the deep end.

May 20, 2019 at 3:38 PM

#18921

Young2Rice
Veteran
Posts: 71,708

One of the stupidest draft picks we've ever made.

Violent Tendencies? Check

Drug Issues? Check

Injury issues. Check

FIRST ROUND STEAAALLLLLLLZLZLZLZOLOLOL Big pimpin Lynch!

[ Edited by Young2Rice on May 20, 2019 at 3:38 PM ]

May 20, 2019 at 3:39 PM

#18922

Rascal
Veteran
Posts: 13,926

Even before this ACL incident, he already couldn't stay on the field. The chronic shoulder injury is real which was also partially why teams stayed away from him in the draft apart from his off field issues.

May 20, 2019 at 3:41 PM

#18923

Youngone
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Posts: 27,531

Wow. Karma. Krazy bone

May 20, 2019 at 3:41 PM

#18924

jrg
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Posts: 166,549

Oooooh man.

May 20, 2019 at 3:43 PM

#18925

Afrikan
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Posts: 23,491

Damn I don't know if that was just bad luck, but injury concerns is the main reason I wasn't tripping too hard that he wasn't on our team anymore.

I've backed him on here, and I'm still a fan....but I wouldn't have been comfortable to extending him to a huge contract.

is he on Steroids? or is his body just built different that other football players? Every time he tackled someone hard I'd be worried he wouldn't get up right away.

[ Edited by Afrikan on May 20, 2019 at 3:44 PM ]

May 20, 2019 at 3:45 PM

#18926

Rascal
Veteran
Posts: 13,926

Even before this ACL incident, he already couldn't stay on the field. His chronic shoulder injury is real which was why many teams stayed away from him in the draft apart from his off field issues.

The 9ers should have never touched the guy. You bust on Solomon Thomas you can still find some excuse and say you didn't know he wouldn't translate in the NFL. But, when you knew full well of Foster's injury and off field issues, there is just zero excuse to blow a 1st round pick on such a high risk player.

May 20, 2019 at 3:45 PM

#18927

okdkid
Veteran
Posts: 23,723

Here is what was written about Zach Miller's knee injury -- which included artery damage. It is reported Foster also had some level of artery damage, but we do not know how severe.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/profootballdoc/sd-sp-pfd-zach-miller-surgery-artery-knee-1030-story.html

May 20, 2019 at 3:48 PM

#18928

mcbaes72
Veteran
Posts: 9,679

Originally posted by Young2Rice:
One of the stupidest draft picks we've ever made.

Violent Tendencies? Check

Drug Issues? Check

Injury issues. Check

FIRST ROUND STEAAALLLLLLLZLZLZLZOLOLOL Big pimpin Lynch!

Don't forget, Lynch would've drafted Froster 3rd overall if Bears grabbed Solomon Thomas after trading with us.

I remember how new GM Lynch was a genius for trading up right when Saints were ready to select him.

[ Edited by mcbaes72 on May 20, 2019 at 3:49 PM ]

May 20, 2019 at 3:49 PM

#18929

Rascal
Veteran
Posts: 13,926

Originally posted by StOnEy333:

Originally posted by JMC52:
I'm not cheering just wish he could've got his head out his ass when he was here, waste of a first

Meh. Statistically, most 1st round picks are wastes of a 1st. We rolled the dice. Didn't work out. Whatever. lol

No, bro. You can't just say oh well we rolled the dice and didn't work out. That is precisely how you get criticized for wasting a 1st round pick on a bust.

On Solomon Thomas you could still find an excuse and say you didn't know he wouldn't translate. But, when you already knew full well about Foster's injury and off field issues, there is zero excuse.

May 20, 2019 at 3:54 PM

#18930

Chief
Veteran
Posts: 28,272

I feel bad for him, but I i must admit I was happy about it. I don't know why.... And I feel terrible, but I don't.