NFL Draft 2017: Why Reuben Foster will drop after failed drug test
By Joel W. Cade
4. Reuben Foster’s scouting report
If teams only focused on on-field performance, Reuben Foster is an easy top 10 pick. His violent, hardnosed style of play is a perfect fit for a division like the AFC North who likes to play a physical intimidating style of play. He is a tone setting player who brings an attitude of dominance every time he steps on the field.
Per Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting report
"Alpha mentality with ferocious hitting style that puts offensive skill positions on alert. Outstanding athlete with springy, reactive feet. Lost 15 pounds in off-season, which gave him more speed and explosiveness. Loose hips and long stride allows him to open and chase immediately. Has elite sideline-to-sideline range. Tough as nails. Brings swagger to a linebacking corps. Never passive and always means it. Willing to take his shots downhill and into gaps. Lands strong warning blows on climbing guards early in the game. Coverage ability is an asset. Logged 10 passes defensed in 2015. Can carry long speed against running backs on wheel routes and nine routes. Has worked to improve tackling technique, which has yielded higher success rate of finishes."
He uses his athleticism to overcome his lack of instincts on the field. He needs to improve on technique when taking on blockers to keep himself healthy.
"Instincts are just average. Overly reliant on speed and athleticism over instincts and feel. Can be a tick slow to respond to play-action. Inconsistent defeating blocks. Too eager to take on everyone at the point of attack. Gets shoulder covered up firing into incoming blockers. Needs to improve stack and shed technique to keep himself clean. Will drop his head at times as tackler. Poor tackling technique led to “stinger” issues early in his career."
Overall Zierlein argues that Foster is a first-round pick with the potential to be All-Pro. He fits as a 3-4 inside linebacker and a 4-3 weakside linebacker.
But injuries are a major concern for Foster. He has already had two reported concussions at Alabama. He had surgery during the draft process to address a partially torn rotator cuff.
These medical issues would give teams a reason to take a second look on Foster. But the real issues causing a potential free fall are the off-field concerns.