Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-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 /

San Francisco 49ers — Linebacker Reuben Foster

The San Francisco 49ers engineered two first-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft — defensive end Solomon Thomas and linebacker Reuben Foster.

Thomas might have been selected No. 3 overall, but Foster is the player Niners fans will want to watch this season.

True, Foster’s shoulder injury might be a concern. And San Francisco’s defense — historically bad in 2016 — remains a work in progress. Yet the former Alabama standout is an immediate-upgrade kind of player. His impact should be felt right away, and the 49ers linebacker crop now actually boasts some strength instead of being a major weakness a year ago.

Foster likely projects to be the team’s WILL linebacker in the 49ers’ new 4-3 defense. This is a playmaking position, and Foster’s collegiate accolades should easily translate over to the NFL level.

There’s another thing to consider here too. San Francisco will look to pair Foster with perennial All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

The last time the 49ers had a dynamic linebacker alongside Bowman, a guy named Patrick Willis, their defense was actually pretty good.

Maybe it’s on the same track once again.