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San Francisco 49ers: Why Reuben Foster Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2017

By Robert Smith

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
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 /
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With some deft moves in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers hauled in not one, but two top-10 talents in Stanford’s Solomon Thomas and Alabama’s Reuben Foster.  With all do respect to Thomas, it will be Foster who has the biggest impact for the Niners this coming season.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

That was the dynamic San Francisco 49ers linebacker tandem that was the heart of a top-five defense just a few short seasons ago. They helped lead the team to three consecutive NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance against the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

Unfortunately, the Niners have suffered losses throughout that once-vaunted defense, from the retirement of players (including Willis) to free-agent losses and roster cuts.

“I’m trying to be the next Patrick Willis, the next great linebacker in their history.” — 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster

However, the drafting of former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster with the 31st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft will go a long way in bringing a toughness and relentlessness back to this once-proud unit.

Foster hit anything that moved last season, totaling 115 tackles en route to becoming the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s best linebacker. Now Foster has a chance to play alongside Bowman and learn from one of the best in the business.

In fact, Foster has high expectations for himself, declaring in his post-draft interview (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News), “I’m trying to be the next Patrick Willis, the next great linebacker in their history.”

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Foster was a ferocious hitter with athleticism and prowess to roam sideline to sideline during his time at Alabama. And his role with San Francisco will be much the same, as he can clog the middle on running plays, blitz up the middle and drop into coverage if necessary.

This will take a significant load off Bowman, who will be returning from his second season-ending injury in the past three seasons.

Along with free-agent signee Malcolm Smith from the Raiders, the 49ers have significantly upgraded the middle of their defense.

It doesn’t hurt that Foster grew up a 49ers fan, even owning a 49ers winter beanie and letterman jacket while emulating the game of former 49er Patrick Willis.

https://twitter.com/ferrarifoster/status/406237259298385920

And while some skeptics may criticize the 49ers for taking Foster after an altercation with medical staff at the NFL Scouting Combine, and a diluted sample during his drug testing, general manager John Lynch defended their selection, stating the team was “exhaustive” in its research on Foster.

The team even had Vice President of Football Affairs, Keena Turner, and team pastor Earl Smith meet with Foster in Alabama for two days.

There may be no better situation for Foster to land in than being paired with Bowman and learning what it takes to not only be a dominate, All-Pro player, but a high character guy off the field as well.

Next: 5 Rookies Who Will Start Immediately for 49ers

With an already relentless motor now coupled with him feeling as though he has something to prove, Foster will provide an immediate impact for a 49ers defense that will be looking to prove the last couple of seasons were an aberration.