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NFL Draft 2017: Top 5 prospects who could free fall

By Joel W. Cade

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Reuben Foster has done a lot to hurt his draft status. Already on the radar for medical concerns over recurring “stingers”, Foster further hurt his draft status with the incident in late March at the combine. Being sent home from the combine was not a smart move.

Foster projects to play in a linebacker position that is protected by defensive linemen. That is, Foster is lacks the ideal size to take on NFL blockers. A defense will have to protect him with by having a lineman in front of him take up two blockers. This is a common scenario for weakside 3-4 linebackers (think Ray Lewis) and weakside 4-3 linebackers. Foster will need to shore up his tackling technique to prolong his career.

Foster is another player who could fall for reasons other than character and medical concerns. The rise of Haasan Reddick up draft boards will hurt Foster. Draft experts at NFL.com have one inside linebacker coming off the board in the top 15 picks. That player is usually Foster. But Reddick’s speed and high ceiling may propel him up ahead of Foster on draft day.

Free falling for Foster may mean he is picked after pick 15. If his medicals look bad at the Combine recheck, it may be a long night for Foster.

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