Overview
Position: Inside Linebacker
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 236 lbs.
School: Alabama Crimson Tide
Reuben Foster 2017 Draft Profile
Widely touted as the best linebacker in the draft, Reuben Foster will bring a tenacity and violence unmatched in this draft to any team willing to spend a high first round pick. Foster, the 2016 Butkus award winner, was a singular dominating force on an Alabama defense already loaded with elite talent.
Foster didn’t start until his senior year, playing behind Reggie Ragland in the previous two seasons. After Ragland left for the NFL, Foster took over as the starter and revealed himself as a versatile linebacker capable of crippling offensive drives with devastating hits anywhere on the field. Foster has an uncanny ability to move from sideline to sideline with speed and precision. He’s not the fastest linebacker but he does have a quick acceleration and good football IQ. Foster has displayed an aptitude for reading plays and getting into the backfield quickly to stop rush attempts. Foster’s not the best against play-action, as he tends to bite on his initial read, but his relentless pursuit generally affords him a second opportunity to make a stop. And he makes many: Foster led the Crimson Tide in tackles and authored a significant percentage of Alabama’s total defense stops in 2016.
As shown in the clip above, Foster has no problem going against even the best competition, displaying a fearlessness and confidence that’s crucial at the next level.
Strengths
- Great in coverage, especially over the middle.
- Incredible ability to move from sideline to sideline to make plays.
- Relentless in pursuit of ball; doesn’t miss a lot of tackles.
- Shows no hesitation and hits like a cannon.
- Ability to play multiple linebacker positions (4-3 scheme); though, he may be better suited for the weak position in the NFL.
- Excellent in blitz situations; while not his natural role, Foster was occasionally and effectively used as a pass-rusher.
- Very quick reaction time and possesses an ability to stay off blocks and rapidly penetrate into the backfield.
- Good football IQ and instincts, though he may need to improve to be NFL ready.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t always read play-action correctly.
- Foster’s speed is a point of contention among analysts (Combine will likely clear this up).
- Foster ‘tackles’ with an emphasis on hit power as opposed to wrapping up ball carriers; this strategy may not work as well against NFL caliber competition.
- Slightly undersized as a middle linebacker.
NFL Comparison: C.J. Mosley
Teams with Need at Position: Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots
Projection: Early first round
Bottom Line
Reuben Foster may have a slightly imperfect technique and speed concerns, but his upside undoubtedly makes him a top-ten pick. Some analysts even have Foster as the best linebacker entering the draft since Patrick Willis. Pro Football Focus has Foster as the highest graded run-stopper among all FBS linebackers, and a stud in coverage as well.
Foster’s game is incredibly well-rounded – and even if he doesn’t have the size or aptitude to immediately play the middle position, he’s an instant starter as a weakside linebacker – especially for a team with a heavy need at the position like the Saints or Cardinals.
Perhaps the one lingering concern is Foster’s tendency to suffer from stingers. This is far from a deal breaker, but interested teams will certainly be taking note of his injury history. Again, Foster’s upside is just too substantial.
Ultimately, Reuben Foster looks like a sure bet to, at a minimum, become a solid NFL caliber linebacker. However, his ceiling remains much higher.
