Reuben Foster | Page 977 | 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 22, 2018 at 9:42 AM

#14641

TyCore
Veteran
Posts: 12,997

Fun video w/the sound muted.

I only see one future, the one where he starts for the 49ers in the 2018 season.

May 22, 2018 at 9:52 AM

#14642

mojave45
Veteran
Posts: 8,046

I see the judge ordering the DA to go to summer school after she has the bailiff spank him, and apologizing to the public for the spectacular waste of time and resources.

May 22, 2018 at 9:59 AM

#14643

lamontb
Veteran
Posts: 33,136

Originally posted by TyCore:
Fun video w/the sound muted.

I only see one future, the one where he starts for the 49ers in the 2018 season.

You left out the part where he leaves the game after another injury

May 22, 2018 at 10:01 AM

#14644

NinerBuff
The Election Dude
Posts: 21,443

Originally posted by TyCore:
Fun video w/the sound muted.

I only see one future, the one where he starts for the 49ers in the 2018 season.

I'm not the only one

May 22, 2018 at 10:04 AM

#14645

9erReign
StonksKing
Posts: 50,605

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by captveg:

Originally posted by TheWooLick:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Please for the love of God, let's get this thread back on track. One more day until we hear about the ruling. Keep it together until then, please!

We will finally be able to move on to several months of discussing the suspension scenarios and the weed case in Alabama.

Still a decent chance this moves towards a trial.

I wouldn't say decent but there's a chance. If it does happen Reuben's lawyers will likely push for a quick trial date to get him back to the team as soon as possible.

Let's be honest a trial will be a ridiculous waste of time. I cannot believe that any unbiased person can sit on a jury and convict Foster of DV given the facts. So why waste the time and the tax payers' money?

Not every person is a 49er fan lol. You have to realize the bias in this thread.

May 22, 2018 at 10:24 AM

#14646

TheWooLick
Veteran
Posts: 44,555

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by TheWooLick:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Please for the love of God, let's get this thread back on track. One more day until we hear about the ruling. Keep it together until then, please!

We will finally be able to move on to several months of discussing the suspension scenarios and the weed case in Alabama.

Hopefully he's either cleared tomorrow via case dismissal or everything gets cleared in an expedited/speedy trial. Look at the highlights -- the guy is obviously an elite talent. Takes out tight ends, linemen, and the heaviest of runners and knocks them flat. With him on the team, I love our linebackers group. We have ferocious speed from top to bottom.

I am very excited about the LB core as well and Rueben could be the JG of the D.
DV charges dismissed, misdemeanor gun plea and a dismissal of the weed charge would be awesome.

May 22, 2018 at 10:32 AM

#14647

Heroism
Veteran
Posts: 26,243

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Please for the love of God, let's get this thread back on track. One more day until we hear about the ruling. Keep it together until then, please!

Reuben, despite being a dumbass off-field, is a brilliant football player. It's impressive how many times he beat uninhibited OL coming his way with mental processing, quickness, and speed.

And Reuben, FFS, see what you hit, homie. Tired of the blue tent.

[ Edited by Heroism on May 22, 2018 at 10:35 AM ]

May 22, 2018 at 10:34 AM

#14648

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

I need some goddamn Reuben Foster arrest news.

May 22, 2018 at 10:35 AM

#14649

luv49rs
Hall of Fame
Posts: 62,730

Originally posted by mayo49:
I need some goddamn Reuben Foster arrest news.

you want him arrested again?

May 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM

#14650

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Originally posted by luv49rs:

Originally posted by mayo49:
I need some goddamn Reuben Foster arrest news.

you want him arrested again?

No, I just need some court news.

May 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM

#14651

DonnieDarko
Veteran
Posts: 66,205

Originally posted by mayo49:
No, I just need some court news.

Sherm said he'll be fine so its all good

May 22, 2018 at 11:23 AM

#14652

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,457

Originally posted by TheWooLick:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by TheWooLick:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Please for the love of God, let's get this thread back on track. One more day until we hear about the ruling. Keep it together until then, please!

We will finally be able to move on to several months of discussing the suspension scenarios and the weed case in Alabama.

Hopefully he's either cleared tomorrow via case dismissal or everything gets cleared in an expedited/speedy trial. Look at the highlights -- the guy is obviously an elite talent. Takes out tight ends, linemen, and the heaviest of runners and knocks them flat. With him on the team, I love our linebackers group. We have ferocious speed from top to bottom.

I am very excited about the LB core as well and Rueben could be the JG of the D.
DV charges dismissed, misdemeanor gun plea and a dismissal of the weed charge would be awesome.

Yeah, as Saleh said, better technique could protect him more while making him a more violent hitter. Currently, he is phenomenal at getting to the ball, but when he gets there, he just throws his entire body -- all 230 pounds + speed/momentum crushing into anything -- directly into the ballcarrier.

May 22, 2018 at 11:35 AM

#14653

TheWooLick
Veteran
Posts: 44,555

Originally posted by DonnieDarko:
Originally posted by mayo49:
No, I just need some court news.

Sherm said he'll be fine so its all good

May 22, 2018 at 12:48 PM

#14654

Heroism
Veteran
Posts: 26,243

Reuben, get your head up ASAP.

"That posture right there is what we need to eliminate from our game." Referring to Browns player here. Colts player stumbling, defending himself - not a foul. pic.twitter.com/ZW4S2SazVC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 22, 2018

May 22, 2018 at 12:51 PM

#14655

gold49digger
Veteran
Posts: 17,688

I expect tomorrow to be raindbows and sunshine with reuben only having to tackle the weed stuff and get to OTAs ASAP