Niner Noise
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft: Complete First-Round 32-Team Mock

By Conor McGuire

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) looks on during warm-ups prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) looks on during warm-ups prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 6. player. 42. The 49ers have needs at just about every position on the roster, from quarterback down to kicker, so they trade back to acquire a few more picks. Rather than reaching for a quarterback, the 49ers move back and draft the best player left on their draft board. Reuben Foster was a monster in the middle for Alabama and would form a dynamic potential pair with NaVorro Bowman. There’s no guarantee Bowman will return to his All-Pro level of play coming off another brutal injury — his second in four seasons — so this also serves as a safety pick in case Bowman can’t be the leader he once was. The 49ers were the worst run defense in football, and Foster will go a long way towards improving that.