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San Francisco 49ers: 2017 NFL Draft report card

By Peter Felsch

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
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
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 /

Round 1, No. 31 Overall (trade with Seattle)

Reuben Foster, ILB Alabama — A

The 49ers hauled in a huge talent here at the bottom of the first round. Alabama’s Reuben Foster was their second ranked player on the big board, and getting him in this spot is a steal.

He slid down the boards of GMs across the league, due to his nagging shoulder and character concerns. His diluted drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine and an altercation with a hospital worker raised serious red flags for several teams.

But the Niners are in a position for a high reward low risk pick at this juncture.

They didn’t lose much to move up and get Foster, only giving up the fourth-round pick acquired in the trade with Chicago, and the 34th overall pick. The 49ers fill a pressing need at the inside linebacker spot opposite NaVorro Bowman.

If Foster can stay healthy, he can be a star from day one.