Linebacker Reuben Foster
Despite missing six games with injuries last season, Reuben Foster still managed to be named Pro Football Focus‘ fourth-best linebacker in 2017, posting an elite-level 90.7 overall grade in the process.
He’ll face a two-game suspension to start the season, following his two arrests earlier in 2018. That said, the 49ers defense is infinitely better with him on the field.
Because of the injury risk, the Niners are looking to improve Foster’s violent tackling technique.
“With the way he played a year ago, sometimes he would get into a position where it would be awkward to go make a tackle,” Robert Saleh told reporters of Foster’s tackling technique last year. “By him being able to create separation and get off blocks properly and clear traffic, he’ll be able to put himself in a better football position to go make a nice clean tackle like a linebacker usually does.”
A change in technique should help Foster save his shoulders. Fans remember he came with a shoulder injury upon being drafted by San Francisco a year ago.
But the technique doesn’t change Foster’s abilities on the field, as 49ers.com’s Joe Fann pointed out:
Reuben Foster just has an extra gear. It’s crazy to watch him sprint sideline to sideline. There have been a few short completions that would have resulted in massive hits from Foster had it been a game. #49ers
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) July 27, 2018
It was already high to begin with, but Foster’s stock continues to rise.