Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Lbers don't really go top ten.

 

Going a bit against the grain here- the style of Lber I want to add to this team is a thumper. 240+ lbs and strong.

Guys that scrape off blocks and explode towards the line. Williamson is not a good fit for our ILB position. Yes we need speed, we need a guy that can cover- but we also need guys that can stop the run and blitz the A gap.

Guys I'm interested in right now include:

Nick DeLuca
Micheal Barton
Isaako Savaiinaea
Harvey Langi

 

Foster is around 230, but he hits like a freight train.

 

After watching that video, I've changed my mind on Cunningham. He doesn't look very good.

 

Some say they have both moved up into the Top 10. Amazing that Foster has played the last month with a chipped bone in his wrist. The guy is tough. I would love to see him as a Titan. Gamechanger for sure, and would elevate the play of the defense all around. I hope if he is still on the board when our turn comes we grab him.

 

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
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. While Reggie Ragland often was asked to rush the quarterback in 2015, Foster typically remained out in coverage, only occasionally blitzing. Foster's power and aggression shine through when rushing the quarterback, but he is largely reliant on a simple bull rush or shoulder dip, at this time.



IN OUR VIEW: Foster is a more explosive athlete than former teammate Reggie Raglans, something he demonstrated mostly on special teams over his first two seasons while he waited his turn behind C.J. Mosley and Trey DePriest. Highly aggressive, athletic and a big hitter, Foster could push for top 100 consideration in 2017.



--Rob Rang (@robrang), 9/19/16

 

Outside Kuechly - MLB/ILbs don't really go top ten. Edge rushers do because they attack the QB. NFL doesn't value his position as a game changer.

 

It is how you have a game changer. As that it has to be special. And that Edge Rushers do go rounds 1-2. LB's are rounds 2-3, maybe 4?!