49ers: 5 NFL Draft Rookies Who Will Start Right Away in 2017

San Francisco 49ers: 5 NFL Draft Rookies Who Will Start Right Away in 2017

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick linebacker Reuben Foster answers questions from the media during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Inside Linebacker Reuben Foster

Well, this is a no-brainer.

San Francisco managed to move back into Round 1 of the draft to pick up former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster at No. 31.

Foster is an immediate-impact player, capable of starting right away for a number of obvious reasons. First, he’s the best inside linebacker option outside of NaVorro Bowman. And that’s a hard chip to beat.

Additionally, Foster is an upgrade over anything the Niners have slated here currently. Ahmad Brooks is ineffective and aging, and Malcolm Smith has problems in coverage.

Foster’s sideline-to-sideline skills are pretty amazing. He plays with the kind of ferocity All-Pro linebackers need, and he could seamlessly fit into a SAM, WILL or MIKE linebacker spot with ease.

True, Foster’s shoulder injury raises some concern. But all signs are pointing to this being a non-factor come Week 1.

And that’s a very, very good thing for the 49ers defense.