Reuben Foster | Page 320 | 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 1:23 PM

#4786

SFTifoso
Veteran
Posts: 3,883

The south is like a different country. I don't like it down there. I'll stay here in Cali!

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:23 PM

#4787

Jason
Veteran
Posts: 410

It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:28 PM

#4788

TheWooLick
Veteran
Posts: 44,566

Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

I agree about personal responsibility but I think the cops are dumb for arresting him for weed, the law is dumb making it illegal to possess weed and the NFL is dumb for banning weed.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:29 PM

#4789

socalniner
Veteran
Posts: 19,420

Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:32 PM

#4790

CoachMike
Veteran
Posts: 75

Originally posted by RabidNiner:
HaHa, so it wasn't the part where he was breaking the law, it was the racism?

... and you can't call places s**tholes, that's racist. I saw it on CNN.

Las Vegas is a s**thole and it has nothing to do with race. Vegas is actually very diverse but still a s**thole. I should know. I grew up there, worked in s**thole casinos, graduated from UNLV, went to graduate school at UNLV.....

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:34 PM

#4791

RTFirefly
Veteran
Posts: 3,262

Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

So Reuben is addicted to pot and he should've drunk alcohol or taken opioids to prove he's not addicted to anything. I get it.

People have been taking substances to relax and enjoy since the beginning of time. Just because you as an individual don't believe it should happen isn't going to stop it.
Furthermore, many people believe weed is safer than alcohol, the law be damned (for one thing no one's ever died from weed od or withdrawal, people do from alcohol and opioids every single day). So to safely ingest a substance to relax and enjoy, they choose weed. It is the smarter choice.

It has nothing to do with being an enabler or a sycophant.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:35 PM

#4792

49erWill
Hall of Fame
Posts: 86,397

Originally posted by socalniner:
Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

He's a POS?

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:37 PM

#4793

Young2Rice
Veteran
Posts: 71,705

Originally posted by SFTifoso:
The south is like a different country. I don't like it down there. I'll stay here in Cali!

Should have let them leave the union tbh. Imagine how s**tty they would be if that happened? Lol

[ Edited by Young2Rice on Jan 13, 2018 at 1:39 PM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:41 PM

#4794

socal9er42
Veteran
Posts: 4,621

Originally posted by CoachMike:
Las Vegas is a s**thole and it has nothing to do with race. Vegas is actually very diverse but still a s**thole. I should know. I grew up there, worked in s**thole casinos, graduated from UNLV, went to graduate school at UNLV.....

Yup.

Lots of places have been referred to as Sh!th@les through the years, and nobody gave a Flying F***. Bakersfield. Stockton. etc etc etc.

Nobody thought it was Racist.

Now the MSM has lost it's collective mind. Worse than usual. No wonder they are tuned out more and more.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:41 PM

#4795

GoreGoreGore
10HourChicken
Posts: 61,416

Originally posted by 49erWill:

Originally posted by socalniner:

Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

He's a POS?

he smokes weed, so he's probably also a rapist and a murderer. he should be serving life in prison.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:45 PM

#4796

49erWill
Hall of Fame
Posts: 86,397

Originally posted by TheHYDE49er:
Originally posted by 49erWill:
Originally posted by socalniner:
Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

He's a POS?

he smokes weed, so he's probably also a rapist and a murderer. he should be serving life in prison.

Apparently.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:46 PM

#4797

Leathaface
Veteran
Posts: 16,710

Just hope he isn't suspended, don't care about anything else. Maybe one game wouldn't be a big deal. I don't see a suspension for such a minor offense but who knows with Goodell.

Jan 13, 2018 at 1:51 PM

#4798

CoachMike
Veteran
Posts: 75

Originally posted by TheHYDE49er:

Originally posted by 49erWill:

Originally posted by socalniner:

Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

He's a POS?

he smokes weed, so he's probably also a rapist and a murderer. he should be serving life in prison.

Weed users (people use vaporizers these days; all smoke is harmful) actually have lower violent crime rates than the non users especially if the non users use alcohol. One of the many things I learned in my 30 plus year career as an Addictions Therapist.

[ Edited by CoachMike on Jan 13, 2018 at 1:52 PM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:19 PM

#4799

Joecool
Veteran
Posts: 70,984

Let's see, has problems last hear in college and gets sent home at the combine. 1st year in pros and he already gets caught with weed:

Dude is not very smart and we are no longer looking smart drafting him. He won't be in the league very long.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:24 PM

#4800

9erguy
Veteran
Posts: 3,350

Originally posted by CoachMike:
Originally posted by TheHYDE49er:
Originally posted by 49erWill:
Originally posted by socalniner:
Originally posted by Jason:
It's reallt hard for me to see the POV of those who say weed isn't addicting. If I told you I'd give you 2.5 million dollars to not use an illegal substance for a few years... it may not be physically addictive but psychologically it's hitting hard.

For those who are blaming the state, the cop, the law, the league, or even Goodell- you are an enabler. A man has a choice. A man's choice carries with it consequences (that this man knew ahead of time). Anyone who says differently is an enabler and a sicophant.

Yup. No sympathy for this POS

He's a POS?

he smokes weed, so he's probably also a rapist and a murderer. he should be serving life in prison.

Weed users (people use vaporizers these days; all smoke is harmful) actually have lower violent crime rates than the non users especially if the non users use alcohol. One of the many things I learned in my 30 plus year career as an Addictions Therapist.

Thanks for sharing some knowledge