Niner Noise
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49ers training camp: 6 biggest risers and fallers so far

By Robert Smith

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 21: Kyle Copeland #19 of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers is tackled by Reuben Foster #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 21, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 21: Kyle Copeland #19 of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers is tackled by Reuben Foster #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 21, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Riser: Reuben Foster

Linebacker Reuben Foster is ready to “pad up”.

Actually, he was ready back at OTAs, but with his recovery from an injured shoulder, the 49ers weren’t taking any chances. They kept him out of any physical activity then, but with training camp here, Foster was given a green light by the doctors.

Going into the draft, Foster was considered a top-five pick but fell due to the run-in at the NFL Scouting Combine with a nurse during a physical exam. There was also a failed drug test and rumors of a shoulder injury that hadn’t healed right.

After some slick maneuvering, the Niners were able to snag Foster with the 31st pick of the first round.

And so far, their choice has been reinforced by a strong showing through the first week of practice.

After corralling two interceptions during the first two days of practice, the rookie linebacker outdid himself by pulling down a third interception in four days.

It was the understanding of the situation that had coach Shanahan excited.

“He had the same play today, and he didn’t fill up in the run. He dropped back and got a pick. One play he got beat on bad yesterday and today we ran the same play at him and he got an interception. That’s what you want to see.”

And as exciting as the interceptions are, Foster has also been finding his way into the backfield as well. He has a knack for making plays, as he flew into the backfield and cut down a sweep to Raheem Mostert, a UDFA running back.

Next: 49ers training camp: Day 5 reports

Foster’s natural instincts and knack for making plays has been on full display thus far, and if he continues to read and react at this pace, his ascension up the depth chart will be fast and furious.

And that’s just how Foster likes it.