Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Reuben Foster
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) /

4. LB Reuben Foster

If linebacker Reuben Foster’s limited time with the San Francisco 49ers has been one thing, it surely hasn’t been boring.

Unfortunately, for all of the excitement Foster brought to the field during his rookie season, he provided just as much excitement off of the field — which almost ended his career with the team. Foster has the physical skills to be one of the NFL’s top players; the question is whether he has the mental and emotional skills required to stay out of trouble.

Foster isn’t your traditional NFL “problem child” who creates issues in the locker room or shows disdain for fans or reporters — in fact, he’s the exact opposite. Foster is a leader in the locker room and a favorite of the fan base and the media — even those who prematurely turned against him before all the facts surrounding his legal troubles came to light.

For the 49ers’ defense to take the next step forward in 2018, Foster needs to stay out of trouble off the field, and cause trouble for opposing offenses on the field.