2017 NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker Reuben Foster

In this 2017 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of linebacker Reuben Foster out of the University of Alabama.

Foster is considered a top linebacker in 2017 NFL Draft from many NFL insiders. Foster has an NFL-ready skill set and should do well as a consistent pass rusher. Many teams will want him and he will improve any roster he is drafted onto.

For how big and tall Foster is, he reminds many people of linebacker Bobby Wagner. He enters the draft at 6 foot 1 inches tall and weighs in at 228 pounds. For how well Wagner runs certain coverages, Foster almost does it better.

STRENGTHS

Foster is able to lay the hammer down when it comes to hitting people that make receivers be put on alert. He is a very active player with plenty of pep in his step. He has very loose hips and his strides are very long which allows him to chase anyone down immediately.

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He lays down massive warning blows to offensive guards early on in games to make his presence felt. Unlike many linebackers, he is able to carry long speed against the run.

WEAKNESSES

His feel for the plays happening are very intermediate and it questions many organizations to select him. When it comes to play-action plays he is a bit slow which could hurt his team bad on a single play. He needs to be more of shoulder open person upon shooting at incoming blockers.

Foster has some poor tackling skills that could either hurt him or allow big plays to happen. He has a big problem in being consistent with beating tackles on certain plays. He is relying on his speed and athleticism rather than his instincts and feel.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

MUST READ: Wide Receiver Corey Davis 2017 NFL Draft Profile

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Foster will likely be drafted late first, early second round in this year’s draft. He has some areas of his game he needs to fix in order to have a successful career. He will need to be put in the right organization with a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme.