Reuben Foster | Page 309 | 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)

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:35 AM

#4621

ayleswbj11
Veteran
Posts: 2,090

I COUld care es about him having some weed, my issue is his lack of awareness & information. How can he not know that Jeff Sessions is having all his prosecutors crack down hard on Marijuana especially in his home state. This is the type of thing that could get serious for him. He could easily be made an example of in Alabama. I worry for him, Sessions is such a racist an is looking to show people in his state how powerful he is. Hate to be political but Ruben should know he needs to behave especially in Alabama. I mean 2nd degree possession my gosh this is stupid

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:35 AM

#4622

pickle
Veteran
Posts: 503

Originally posted by qnnhan7:
What's going to happen...?

He pays the fine. Lynch and Kyle have a good talk with Burdon Foster. Possible team disciplinary. Comes back to OTA Reuben Foster again.

Exactly. It's weed for Christ's sake. I trust that Lynch will handle this in the right way.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:36 AM

#4623

Oakland-Niner
Member
Posts: 24,062

Originally posted by BimmerKing:

Originally posted by SFTifoso:
I just hope he doesn't miss the raider game. I want him to blow up Carr!

Lol at this dude blowing up anything but his shoulder again

Its pretty clear the only thing Foster is interested in blowing is marijuana smoke rings.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:36 AM

#4624

Andra
Veteran
Posts: 2,997

I was not a fan of Foster coming out of college. I thought he was an idiot. Then I got to see a little bit of him through interviews and I started to like him a lot more. He's always smiling and seems to be a great teammate and nice person. I smoke weed almost every day so I have no issues with him smoking weed. He just has to get some friends here in California to show him the way. I'm sure he went back home to see some of his old friends that probably don't have his best interest in mind but are just trying to latch on to him. I hope that someone can reach out to him and let him know that he has to be very selective about who he stays in contact with from his past because in all honesty he has little in common with those people anymore, his is going to be a wealthy man and nfl star which puts him on a level the us commoners can't relate to. Hopefully someone like Norton sees some potential in him or maybe even better would be Foster finds a mentor in the league or on the team that he can latch onto and help guide him through his transition to stardom.

I believe in you 56. You made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:36 AM

#4625

16to87
Veteran
Posts: 7,697

Originally posted by thl408:
Maybe it's part of his offseason regimen to gain some weight. Inject the marijuanas to get the munchies. Some see a dumbf**k not being aware, I see a dedicated athlete working on improving his body for next season.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:37 AM

#4626

MRNINESEVEN
Veteran
Posts: 10,730

He's not going to be suspended by the league.
This will be his second boo boo with the weed so for that a Second violation is: A Fine equivalent to two game checks. (The player's NFL team isn't necessarily informed, as the punishment does not affect playing time).

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:38 AM

#4627

Andra
Veteran
Posts: 2,997

Originally posted by 16to87:
Originally posted by thl408:
Maybe it's part of his offseason regimen to gain some weight. Inject the marijuanas to get the munchies. Some see a dumbf**k not being aware, I see a dedicated athlete working on improving his body for next season.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:38 AM

#4628

JimmyJesus
Veteran
Posts: 463

Originally posted by Andra:
I was not a fan of Foster coming out of college. I thought he was an idiot. Then I got to see a little bit of him through interviews and I started to like him a lot more. He's always smiling and seems to be a great teammate and nice person. I smoke weed almost every day so I have no issues with him smoking weed. He just has to get some friends here in California to show him the way. I'm sure he went back home to see some of his old friends that probably don't have his best interest in mind but are just trying to latch on to him. I hope that someone can reach out to him and let him know that he has to be very selective about who he stays in contact with from his past because in all honesty he has little in common with those people anymore, his is going to be a wealthy man and nfl star which puts him on a level the us commoners can't relate to. Hopefully someone like Norton sees some potential in him or maybe even better would be Foster finds a mentor in the league or on the team that he can latch onto and help guide him through his transition to stardom.

I believe in you 56. You made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

[ Edited by JimmyJesus on Jan 13, 2018 at 7:47 AM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:39 AM

#4629

BuZzB05
Veteran
Posts: 3,615

We should not worry about Foster. We should chill out with him. We should let Foster make mistakes for trouble and learn it from happen and next time. Just move on and won't trouble again next time. Let to go.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:41 AM

#4630

adacosta24
Veteran
Posts: 333

Ray Lewis killed someone and ended up just fine I'm not worried about smoking a little devils lettuce

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:42 AM

#4631

Andra
Veteran
Posts: 2,997

Originally posted by JimmyJesus:
Originally posted by Andra:
I was not a fan of Foster coming out of college. I thought he was an idiot. Then I got to see a little bit of him through interviews and I started to like him a lot more. He's always smiling and seems to be a great teammate and nice person. I smoke weed almost every day so I have no issues with him smoking weed. He just has to get some friends here in California to show him the way. I'm sure he went back home to see some of his old friends that probably don't have his best interest in mind but are just trying to latch on to him. I hope that someone can reach out to him and let him know that he has to be very selective about who he stays in contact with from his past because in all honesty he has little in common with those people anymore, his is going to be a wealthy man and nfl star which puts him on a level the us commoners can't relate to. Hopefully someone like Norton sees some potential in him or maybe even better would be Foster finds a mentor in the league or on the team that he can latch onto and help guide him through his transition to stardom.

I believe in you 56. You made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

I actually support this message, very well explained. Nice people will be taken advantage of. But don't forget where you came from, stay humble.

Truth

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:42 AM

#4632

Hawaii49er
Veteran
Posts: 1,730

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Due to the 2014 revisions to the substance abuse policy, marajuana offenses are not as bad as they used to be. It takes 4 positive tests to get suspended.
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) January 13, 2018

Stop with the josh Gordon s**t, dude was drinking before every single football game.

Hope he takes this seriously and doesn't try to push the "4 positive tests" line. Will he be penalized for his arrest / conviction? I highly doubt he serves jail time for this but you never know. Like most of us, we don't know him on a personal level but he appears to be a good kid. We all can only hope that he learns from this.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:44 AM

#4633

GoldenJoe
Veteran
Posts: 4,177

Originally posted by ayleswbj11:
I COUld care es about him having some weed, my issue is his lack of awareness & information. How can he not know that Jeff Sessions is having all his prosecutors crack down hard on Marijuana especially in his home state. This is the type of thing that could get serious for him. He could easily be made an example of in Alabama. I worry for him, Sessions is such a racist an is looking to show people in his state how powerful he is. Hate to be political but Ruben should know he needs to behave especially in Alabama. I mean 2nd degree possession my gosh this is stupid

Good thing he played for the Tide. CFB>The Law in Alabama. You're absolutely correct though, Bama is about 50 years behind.

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:45 AM

#4634

Niners816
Veteran
Posts: 9,990

Originally posted by thl408:
Maybe it's part of his offseason regimen to gain some weight. Inject the marijuanas to get the munchies. Some see a dumbf**k not being aware, I see a dedicated athlete working on improving his body for next season.

.....but what about thousands and thousands of oreo's and Doritos's killed in the name of "munchies"?

Jan 13, 2018 at 7:47 AM

#4635

bors
Veteran
Posts: 5,736

Originally posted by Andra:
I was not a fan of Foster coming out of college. I thought he was an idiot. Then I got to see a little bit of him through interviews and I started to like him a lot more. He's always smiling and seems to be a great teammate and nice person. I smoke weed almost every day so I have no issues with him smoking weed. He just has to get some friends here in California to show him the way. I'm sure he went back home to see some of his old friends that probably don't have his best interest in mind but are just trying to latch on to him. I hope that someone can reach out to him and let him know that he has to be very selective about who he stays in contact with from his past because in all honesty he has little in common with those people anymore, his is going to be a wealthy man and nfl star which puts him on a level the us commoners can't relate to. Hopefully someone like Norton sees some potential in him or maybe even better would be Foster finds a mentor in the league or on the team that he can latch onto and help guide him through his transition to stardom.

I believe in you 56. You made a mistake. Learn from it and move on.

You summed it up perfectly. Bama matty title weekend back home. Yea. Folks was probably trying to set them hooks in him. Hope he is smart enough to see it for what it is

Don't want to see him go out like aldon. That was a sad affair. Watching all that talent. Just waste up