Reuben Foster | Page 321 | 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 2:30 PM

#4801

WestCoastForever
Veteran
Posts: 3,772

Originally posted by Joecool:
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.

I hope there is a mistake here. Otherwise, he knuckled-headed out. Likely facing a four game suspension at a time when he had the world eating out of his hand. When his team is on the rise, we'll not likely see one of our best defenders for a quarter of the season. This is his second offense. I hope he sees what he's about to lose for himself and his team.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:41 PM

#4802

Niners816
Veteran
Posts: 9,990

Originally posted by mayo49:
Trump is a bigot. Needs to be impeached.

He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:47 PM

#4803

Jeepzilla
Veteran
Posts: 6,720

Originally posted by Niners816:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Trump is a bigot. Needs to be impeached.

He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Take this s**t out of this thread

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:48 PM

#4804

ltrain
Veteran
Posts: 4,922

If I signed a contract to keep my nose clean for $2.5 mill, there is no way in hell I'd get caught with a bag of weed. Wheres his fall guy? Pretty sure a possession charge would be worth that much.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:49 PM

#4805

Jason
Veteran
Posts: 410

Originally posted by RTFirefly:
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.

It has everything to do with being an enabler. The thing you and many are missing is it doesn't matter what you think. I feel I need to say it again. It doesn't matter what you personally think is fair, should be law, or how a cop should behavior. Your opinion is only good for one vote. Should statements are cognitive distortions. Should doesn't matter. What IS matters.

Who cares about alcohol? It's like you hoped I'd bring it up so you could get to a substance abuse talking point. Problem is, I didn't.

The simple truth is that he broke an existing law. He will pay the laws consequences as well as those of his workplace. I suspect he has many people around him telling him it's not his fault and what "should be." Those are called enablers and sicophants.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:50 PM

#4806

rxrunner
Veteran
Posts: 2,363

Originally posted by susweel:
Another wasted pick

I agree. We are wasting picks on players that end up like Aldon Smith

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:51 PM

#4807

rxrunner
Veteran
Posts: 2,363

Originally posted by Niners816:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Trump is a bigot. Needs to be impeached.

He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:53 PM

#4808

frenchmov
Veteran
Posts: 6,833

Originally posted by Niners816:
He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Pretty much. Trump and his supporters are f**king embarrassments. Can't wait till this f**king clown is out of office

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:54 PM

#4809

rxrunner
Veteran
Posts: 2,363

Originally posted by frenchmov:
Originally posted by Niners816:
He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Pretty much. Trump and his supporters are f**king embarrassments. Can't wait till this f**king clown is out of office

This kind of stuff to the parking lot. This is niners forum. Please keep it niners

[ Edited by rxrunner on Jan 13, 2018 at 2:55 PM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:55 PM

#4810

LifelongNiner
Veteran
Posts: 24,600

Originally posted by Wisconsininer:
And this is the guy we are hoping will be the leader of our defense for years to come? Wonderful!

Nope. Buckner, maybe Solomon Thomas when he blossoms into a top player, hopefully Roquon Smith, with a small outside chance of Eric Reid

[ Edited by LifelongNiner on Jan 13, 2018 at 2:55 PM ]

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:57 PM

#4811

Niners816
Veteran
Posts: 9,990

Originally posted by frenchmov:
Originally posted by Niners816:
He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Pretty much. Trump and his supporters are f**king embarrassments. Can't wait till this f**king clown is out of office

I apologize for detailing this thread, but I kinda caught the talk a couple pages back in relation to Bama, Ruben and racism.

I don't apologize for the content of my statement though.

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:58 PM

#4812

Brewcrew
Member
Posts: 268

Originally posted by rxrunner:
Originally posted by frenchmov:
Originally posted by Niners816:
He's a bigoted, racist conman.......and everyone knew it and the stupid f**k still got voted in. Now it's the biggest s**tshow of a presidency we've seen.

Pretty much. Trump and his supporters are f**king embarrassments. Can't wait till this f**king clown is out of office

This kind of stuff to the parking lot. This is niners forum. Please keep it niners

Perfect now in the forum enough of the politics we get enough everyday from the FAKE NEWS!! Media let's talk niner football 🏈

Jan 13, 2018 at 2:59 PM

#4813

Giedi
Veteran
Posts: 33,955

Originally posted by ltrain:
If I signed a contract to keep my nose clean for $2.5 mill, there is no way in hell I'd get caught with a bag of weed. Wheres his fall guy? Pretty sure a possession charge would be worth that much.

I don't know. He's football smart, but he doesn't seem to be street smart.

Jan 13, 2018 at 3:01 PM

#4814

Jiks
Member
Posts: 29,220

Originally posted by rxrunner:
This kind of stuff to the parking lot. This is niners forum. Please keep it niners

Jan 13, 2018 at 3:02 PM

#4815

Jason
Veteran
Posts: 410

Originally posted by CoachMike:
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.

Which study is comparing cannabis uses to non-users crime rates? Giving the effects of the drug I could see how it would be less than alcohol but I need to get a link to that otherwise you could be making that up just to support a bias. Not trying to say you're lying, more just saying this is the internet where people try to sound smart and lie about who they are and what they do