NFL Draft 2017: Why Reuben Foster will drop after failed drug test

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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) gets away from Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Experts are predicting a fall

Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com thinks Rueben Foster’s draft status has suffered significantly because of his failed drug test. Teams are already concerned about medical and other off-field concerns, the failed drug test is the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

When discussing Foster he states:

"Reuben Foster has dropped dramatically. The news of his failed/diluted drug test from yesterday was the icing on the cake. One team was ready to take him in the middle of Round 1 but has backed off. I’m told it’s a combination of what’s described as “horrible behavior” as well as concussion issues."

Tony Pauline is correct, Reuben Foster will free fall come NFL Draft night. There are a couple of very good reasons for this to occur. With one good reason why he will not.

The only way he does not fall on draft night is if the Cincinnati Bengals take him ninth overall. The Bengals have a track record of finding value in players with off-field concerns. Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones are just two examples of players who have thrived in Cincinnati. Foster is a perfect fit for the defense where linebacker is a need.

But if the Bengals pass, Foster may look like Aaron Rogers sitting in the Green Room come draft night.

Obviously the medical and off-field concerns are the primary reason why Reuben Foster will free-fall.

But the rise of other talented linebackers will contribute to that fall as well. Per Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com:

"Linebackers Haason Reddick (Temple), Jarrad Davis (Florida), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt) and Tyus Bowser (Houston) have generated plenty of positive buzz with recent workouts."

This may be cause and effect. They may be rising because teams are looking for an alternative to Foster. Or their rise may be causing Foster to fall down the boards given Foster’s concerns. Either way, Foster is falling and others are rising.

Why draft Foster and all of his concerns when other linebackers who may not be as good but are clean medically with no off field concerns are available?

Foster will have a long wait on draft night. Like Tom Petty, Foster is free falling.

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