49ers: Predicting team and player awards for the 2017 season

San Francisco 49ers: Predicting team player awards for the 2017 season

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-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 /

Defensive Rookie of the Year — Reuben Foster

This is likely going to be a tossup between two first-round draftees — Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster.

But Foster gets the nod here based on the likelihood he’ll make more plays as the 49ers’ SAM linebacker this season.

SAM linebackers are often known as being the playmaking types. Paired with NaVorro Bowman, Foster should have little trouble providing an immediate impact for an up-and-coming 49ers defense in 2017.

We could continue singing Foster’s praises here, but that would be redundant. Instead, let’s consider this: Foster has regularly been compared to linebacker greats Luke Kuechly and Patrick Willis.

Both Willis and Kuechly earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year awards in 2007 and 2012, respectively.

If Foster is on the same trajectory, he’ll not only be the team’s defensive rookie of the year but also the NFL’s.