Adrian Fedkiw
Andy Reid was never big on drafting linebackers high, maybe the Doug Pederson era will be a little different.
The top linebacker in the 2017 NFL Draft class is Reuben Foster and he comes with some baggage, but that baggage might make him available when the Philadelphia Eagles pick at No. 14 come Thursday night.
But will they actually pull the trigger?
The Butkus Award winner totaled 115 tackles, with five of his 13 tackle for losses being sacks. The production is certainly there, but there are concerns about his medical history following rotator cuff surgery and several stingers during his Alabama career and his character following an embarrassing combine where he had an altercation with a hospital worker and tested positive for a diluted urine sample.
Just how far Foster falls remains to be seen, but the tape is fairly impressive. Let’s check it out …
STRENGTHS
Foster’s instincts and sideline-to-sideline range is insane, he closes so damn fast! He’s also a vicious hitter. Once Foster makes his read he trusts it and flies to the football.
Foster’s coverage skills are top-notch. He has the speed to stay step for step with running backs and receivers on vertical routes like the first clip shown, and due to his range and instincts, he allows minimal gains to running backs catching passes in the flats.
Foster uses his timing and closing speed to shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield.
WEAKNESSES
Foster is a bit on the small side and can get engulfed by blockers at times and struggles to get off of them. Alabama had so much talent on the defensive side of the ball that Foster always had the ability to roam free, but if he goes to an NFL team that doesn’t possess a great defensive line, he may run into some problems.
CONCLUSION
Getting a talent like Foster allows Jordan Hicks to move to his more natural position as a 4-3 weakside linebacker. Foster is certainly one of the options I’d strongly want the Eagles to consider. If I had to compare Foster to an NFL player, it’d be Ryan Shazier due to his lack of size, but ability to cover and play the run.