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2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis

By Nicholas McGee

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 31

Player: [LB] Reuben Foster, Alabama

Height/Weight: 6’0 and 229 pounds

Collegiate Statistics

After gaining some extra picks, the 49ers used their extra ammo to jump back into the first round and take perhaps the best value selection of the draft so far.

San Francisco sent its second-rounder (No. 34 overall) and a fourth-rounder (No. 111 overall) to the Seahawks to jump back up to No. 31 and take Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster.

Foster’s stock appears to have taken a hit because of a diluted sample at the Combine and reported late concerns over a shoulder injury.

However, in Foster the Niners are getting something they severely lack, athleticism at the linebacker position.

Foster can chase sideline-to-sideline and attack downhill, and figures to take some of the pressure off NaVorro Bowman as he attempts another successful comeback from injury.

Strengths

In addition to being able to chase all over the field and attack downhill, Foster displays a startling proficiency for reading the game. He keeps his eyes in the backfield at all times and is able to close to the football extremely quickly after diagnosing a play.

Foster is a punishing hitter who comes into tackles with force, however, he also displays the discipline to not allow running backs to break contain and get to the outside.

He can hold his own in coverage, even sometimes matching up with receivers in the slot, and make an impact as a blitzer up the middle and off the edge.

Weaknesses

In addition to the apparent concerns over his shoulders and his Combine sample, Foster does have some areas of his game he will need to fine tune.

Overpursuit can be a problem and Foster often struggles to work his way back to the ball if he takes the wrong angle. Furthermore he needs to do a better job of picking his way through traffic and avoiding getting caught up in the wash.

Blockers at the second level give Foster problems, and he would be well served by learning to disengage quicker to maximise his hopes of success in the NFL.

Why he fits

Foster fits because he fills a desperate need.

The early reports surrounding Bowman are good following his recovery from a torn Achilles, but at this point they cannot continue to rely on him.

Bowman Malcolm Smith and Ray-Ray Armstrong make for a largely uninspiring linebacking core behind Bowman, but Foster’s arrival provides them with an extremely athletic and physical presence who can be an immediate difference-maker.

Grade: A