Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Identifying the 5 best players in 2017 so far

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Shane Vereen #34 of the New York Giants is tackled by Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Shane Vereen #34 of the New York Giants is tackled by Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Linebacker Reuben Foster

Injuries have been a problem for the second of San Francisco’s two first-round picks from the 2017 NFL Draft.

When he’s on the field, though, linebacker Reuben Foster is about the best defensive playmaker the 49ers have. And while he’s been limited to just four games and 205 snaps, Foster already ranks seventh on the team with 24 tackles.

And performances, like that against the Giants, showcase why this number will climb rapidly:

Foster also owns an 89.0 overall grade this season, per Pro Football Focus, which is just a little over one point behind the Carolina Panthers’ Luke Kuechly.

That’s pretty special, and Foster is a special player.

San Francisco’s defense is notably better with Foster on the field, so keeping him healthy is an absolute must over the rest of the season.