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NFL Draft 2017: 5 candidates to win 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick linebacker Reuben Foster answers questions from the media during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick linebacker Reuben Foster answers questions from the media during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 5. player. 42.

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster’s stock took a huge hit leading up to the NFL Draft. First, Foster was dismissed early from the NFL Combine after an altercation with a medical worker. Then, a few days leading up to the NFL Draft, it was reported Foster also failed his drug test at the combine.

Foster plummeted in the first round of the NFL Draft all the way to the 31st overall pick. He’s got unquestionable talent but with his combine mishaps, a lot of teams passed on him. While some see it as a good sign, it’s motivation for Foster.

He was an All-American and first-team All-SEC selection in 2016 who racked up 115 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks after losing 20 pounds in the offseason. He’s got a lot of ability and should be an immediate impact player on a 49ers defense in dire need of help at the linebacker position.

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