How Reuben Foster arrest affects 49ers’ plans in the 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker Reuben Foster’s most recent arrest has to at least force the San Francisco 49ers to consider a contingency plan in the 2018 NFL Draft. Let’s break down what it could be.
The linebacker position would have been a luxury for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2018 NFL Draft, as the team wrapped up a five-game win streak to close out the regular season.
Since then, promising linebacker Reuben Foster has been arrested twice. The latest, occurring last Sunday, involved an alleged domestic violence case and one involving an assault rifle. It doesn’t appear as if the assault rifle was involved in the incident, but Foster’s off-field concerns have surely moved to the forefront of San Francisco’s offseason hot list.
The Niners are now in a lose-lose situation. They don’t have to make a decision on Foster’s future with the team now and can wait until further evidence comes in. But there are going to be serious ramifications either way.
San Francisco 49ers
Should the team place a harsh stance on domestic violence and part ways with arguably its best defensive player? One the 49ers have invested heavily in? Or will this be a case of either waiting out the legal process, therefore opening the door to the criticisms the Niners dealt with during the high number of player arrests from 2012 through 2015?
There’s no easy solution here.
One thing is certain — general manager John Lynch and Co. will explore contingency plans much more carefully this offseason.
Let’s break down what those will be, specifically in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Top Linebacker Prospects for the 49ers
Niner Noise’s Joseph Naki broke down five prospective linebackers the 49ers may want to look at in the 2018 NFL Draft, as follows:
- Kemoko Turay, Rutgers
- Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
- Dorance Armstrong Jr., Kansas
- Rashaan Evans, Alabama
- Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
Interestingly, Georgia’s Roquan Smith is off the list. It’s anyone’s guess whether or not he falls. But let’s include him on the list for good measure.
Smith might not be available when the Niners pick at No. 9/10, although a combination of high-profile quarterbacks and QB-needy teams in Round 1 could change that.
CBS Sports currently lists both Evans and Edmunds as day two prospects. That could change, especially if either/both have strong performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. And it’s possible both still slip into the second round. It’s anyone’s guess right now.
While San Francisco may still consider an inside linebacker with its top pick, that doesn’t have to be the route taken by Lynch.
An edge rusher, cornerback and interior offensive lineman all should be considered more important than a linebacker this offseason, even if Foster no longer winds up being a part of the Niners’ future. Armed with the New Orleans Saints’ Round 2 pick, No. 59 overall, Lynch might wait until the second day of the draft to find a replacement.
On-Roster Options
Keep in mind, the Niners will be getting veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith back after he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury at the tail end of training camp last year.
There’s an argument he wasn’t properly used, scheme-wise, in the Oakland Raiders defense before signing on as a high-profile free agent with the 49ers in 2017. And we have to consider he was a hand-picked addition by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who worked with him when both were with the Seattle Seahawks.
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Additionally, depth linebacker Brock Coyle — unsigned in 2018 — made a move from regular special teams ace to starting linebacker in the second half of the season. Re-signing him suddenly looks like a bigger priority.
Even if Foster is welcomed back, Coyle still provides valuable depth.
Still, the Niners likely just bumped their need for linebacking help up a notch, or two, heading into this year’s NFL Draft. Depending on what happens with Foster and free agency, San Francisco will need to be both proactive and smart about its handling of the situation.
Next: 49ers trade-up, trade-down targets in the 2018 NFL Draft
The previous regime failed to do this. And it’s a mistake Lynch and the current front office would be wise to avoid repeating.