San Francisco 49ers select Reuben Foster
With the 31st-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Reuben Foster out of the University of Alabama.
Without question, Foster is the best inside linebacker in the draft. While he was sent home from the NFL Combine for behavioral issues, he remains one of the top prospects to come out this year, showcasing everything you could want for his position.
Foster is a touch undersized at 229 pounds, but can likely add a bit of weight as his frame continues to fill out. The former Alabama standout was the anchor of a terrific defense that also had Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Marlon Humphrey on the field.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 229
40-time: N/A
Bench: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad: N/A
3-cone: N/A
When you turn on the tape of Foster, you see a player who can help against the run as a downhill thumper, but also drop into coverage and take a tight end or running back out of the equation. He should immediately be a three-down player, explaining why an inside linebacker would go in the first round.
Foster likely fell because of the aforementioned behavioral issues and, according to NFL Network, some medical issues with his shoulders. That said, Foster now gets to line up next to NaVorro Bowman with the 49ers, behind a defensive line with loads of potential.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft instant grades
After being first-team All-America and All-SEC, there is nothing left to prove for a player who can play in any scheme, and potentially could move outside if given the opportunity.