Reuben Foster | Page 312 | 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 8:29 AM

#4666

steiber
Veteran
Posts: 1,678

Originally posted by niners94:
If he wanted to smoke just stay here in California. It's legal.

How about him not doing drugs at all? It's not about him staying some place to legally do drugs, it should be more about him carrying about himself and long-term future and that his team mates depend on him to not make stupid decisions.

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:31 AM

#4667

NYniner85
Veteran
Posts: 118,769

Originally posted by SteveYoung:
At least we didn't spent the 3rd overall on this guy.

Why is there always drama with this team or does ever team go through it with these idiots?

I think it's safe to say this is this last chance. Serve the 4 game suspension. Hurt, our team while he is out. But we will survive.

What an idiot

every NFL team have the same s**t.

Bell/bryant in Pitt
Aaron Hernandez in NE
Seattle and PEDs
Zona with Darryl Washington

Etc etc

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:32 AM

#4668

JimmyJesus
Veteran
Posts: 463

Originally posted by jcs:
Dude is probably lifting as we speak....that's why he was #3 overall.

[ Edited by JimmyJesus on Jan 16, 2018 at 8:29 PM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:33 AM

#4669

susweel
Hall of Nepal
Posts: 122,000

Lol now we know every team passed on him.

Aldon smith 2.0

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:33 AM

#4670

NYniner85
Veteran
Posts: 118,769

Originally posted by steiber:
Originally posted by niners94:
If he wanted to smoke just stay here in California. It's legal.
How about him not doing drugs at all? It's not about him staying some place to legally do drugs, it should be more about him carrying about himself and long-term future and that his team mates depend on him to not make stupid decisions.

It's okay for him to pop a bunch of pain meds though

I get it weed is illegal and you can't do it for whatever reason. s**t needs to change imo

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:33 AM

#4671

Andra
Veteran
Posts: 2,993

Originally posted by NYniner85:
every NFL team have the same s**t.

Bell/bryant in Pitt
Aaron Hernandez in NE
Seattle and PEDs
Zona with Darryl Washington

Etc etc

Very true.

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:34 AM

#4672

VaBeachNiner
Veteran
Posts: 59,695

Information from Tuscaloosa PD about Reuben Foster's arrest last night is meager. From PD: Officers encountered Foster near intersection of HWY 69 S and Oscar Baxter Dr. During the encounter officers found probable cause to arrest him for marijuana possession.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 13, 2018

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:34 AM

#4673

NYniner85
Veteran
Posts: 118,769

Originally posted by susweel:
Lol now we know every team passed on him.

Aldon smith 2.0

Smoking a joint is the same as what smith did

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:36 AM

#4674

SanDiego49er
Veteran
Posts: 52,167

~ Kicked out of the combine. I really haven't heard of this very often with many players. It's almost unheard of. Players are auditioning for an NFL career. They mostly by in large want that to go well. But not Foster apparently.

~ Arrested for drug offenses.

He just finished his 1st year. His 1st year......

I expect more to come. We haven't seen anything yet.

Aldon Smith 2.0.

[ Edited by SanDiego49er on Jan 13, 2018 at 8:37 AM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:37 AM

#4675

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Originally posted by NCommand:
3 mistakes.

1. Diluded sample of which we can probably deduce it was to avoid cannabis detection
2. Confrontation waiting for the combined (kicked out)
3. This arrest

The first two cost him millions of dollars and the 3rd probably a couple game checks and more proof this kid is immature and poor at life decisions. We're only one year into his career. The FO will not give him the passes we as fans do.

And this may not be all. We recently found out there were two other incidents with Rashard Robinson that lead to his trade so don't be surprised if there's been other in-house concerns.

1 incident, you can write it off as young and dumb but 2, 3, etc.?

The first two had nothing to do with us and not while he was in SF. We also have no idea on the diluted sample (more than often it's because of too much water) he never tested postive for weed....huge difference.

The confrontation could've been because of a million different things.

Getting caught with half a joint isn't even close to what aldon smith and josh gordon have done....we shouldn't be throwing every person into one category.

Throwing out ideas of othe in-house incidents? Dude, let's stop making things up. That's a bit much

LOL, it's widely known players drink excess water to dilute their samples. That's a strategy to get their test dismissed...rather than getting busted. Lesser of two evils. "Oh, I was sick and drank way too much water."

It's not the crime but the mentally that he keeps doing stupid things despite costing himself millions and hurting his own image and his employers.

Robinson, in part, was traded for fighting with a coach and other issues. We as fans aren't always privy to these things so it's merely an example. Aldon another...their mindsets, not their crime.

Our FO will give him every opportunity of course but the list is growing no matter how small you as a fan think it is.

[ Edited by NCommand on Jan 13, 2018 at 8:39 AM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:41 AM

#4676

Andra
Veteran
Posts: 2,993

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Originally posted by steiber:
Originally posted by niners94:
If he wanted to smoke just stay here in California. It's legal.
How about him not doing drugs at all? It's not about him staying some place to legally do drugs, it should be more about him carrying about himself and long-term future and that his team mates depend on him to not make stupid decisions.

It's okay for him to pop a bunch of pain meds though I get it weed is illegal and you can't do it for whatever reason. s**t needs to change imo

So true. Opioid addiction is a major problem in this country that is taking lives and players can us them all day long, during games even. How many people end up in emergency rooms and die from taking pain killers. Now lets compare those numbers to weed. Doesn't make what he did ok, but the rules need to change.

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:43 AM

#4677

jvangeystel
Veteran
Posts: 1,521

I still can't believe people think of pot like this. It's harmless. There is zero reason it should be illegal or even against NFL policy. Yeah it's a dumb decision for him to break NFL rules. However the fact that the NFL even screens for pot is ridiculous. It is a thousand times more safe than alcohol or prescription pain meds. To those that say he's aldon 2.0 would you rather him be stuck on legal opiods than pot? Prolly the same group that wants to keep it illegal because they don't use it. Absolutely hypocritical unless you don't drink take pills or anything.

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:44 AM

#4678

GolittaCamper
Veteran
Posts: 7,277

What ever it's a little weed, big deal.

Hey, Froster, move you ass out of that dumb red neck State, buy a home in a nice place with leagal weed!

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:44 AM

#4679

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by AmpLee:
Originally posted by NYniner85:
Originally posted by NCommand:
3 mistakes.

1. Diluded sample of which we can probably deduce it was to avoid cannabis detection
2. Confrontation waiting for the combined (kicked out)
3. This arrest

The first two cost him millions of dollars and the 3rd probably a couple game checks and more proof this kid is immature and poor at life decisions. We're only one year into his career. The FO will not give him the passes we as fans do.

And this may not be all. We recently found out there were two other incidents with Rashard Robinson that lead to his trade so don't be surprised if there's been other in-house concerns.

1 incident, you can write it off as young and dumb but 2, 3, etc.?

The first two had nothing to do with us and not while he was in SF. We also have no idea on the diluted sample (more than often it's because of too much water) he never tested postive for weed....huge difference.

The confrontation could've been because of a million different things.

Getting caught with half a joint isn't even close to what aldon smith and josh gordon have done....we shouldn't be throwing every person into one category.

Throwing out ideas of othe in-house incidents? Dude, let's stop making things up. That's a bit much

This.

You two seem more focused on the NFL policy rather than the players personal responsibilities and choices.

The player knows what he's doing. That's what you should be concerned with.

We all agree NFL policies are stupid but that's another topic.

[ Edited by NCommand on Jan 13, 2018 at 8:47 AM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 8:49 AM

#4680

BOI49er
Veteran
Posts: 4,953

Originally posted by NCommand:
3 mistakes.

1. Diluded sample of which we can probably deduce it was to avoid cannabis detection
2. Confrontation waiting for his medical (kicked out of the combine)
3. This arrest

The first two cost him millions of dollars and the 3rd probably a couple game checks and more proof this kid is immature and poor at life decisions. We're only one year into his career. The FO will not give him the passes we as fans do.

And this may not be all. We recently found out there were two other incidents with Rashard Robinson that lead to his trade so don't be surprised if there's been other in-house concerns.

1 incident, you can write it off as young and dumb but 2, 3, etc.?

Yeah, if you had to put money down, you'd have to bet this won't be the last. Even if it's legal in CA, it's a violation of league rules. It shouldn't be, but it is.

What we know is Foster does not subordinate what he wants for his career and team, and we have no reason to believe that has changed. This team needs to make it clear right now it won't be tolerated, and spell out his ugly future. Only after that point is made, try to help him, but that only works if he wants to change. If pot is more important to him, he's Ricky Williams, and a looser. We're not there yet, but the way to stop it is challenge him to put his team first, or get out and be done with the game he loves.