Reuben Foster was the starting linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he appeared in the College Football Playoffs three times, and the National Championship two times, winning one title. Foster is one of the most explosive and prolific defenders coming out in this year’s NFL Draft, and it is widely speculated that he will go off the board in the first round. The Ravens are in need of another linebacker, as the rising star Zachary Orr was forced to retire because of a spinal condition. Harbaugh has said that he believes that 2nd year player Kamalei Correa will likely take the role left by Orr, but Correa’s very disappointing rookie season in 2016 leaves this to be a big question going into the draft. The Ravens may want an upgrade at the position, and Ozzie Newsome is known to love prospects from his Alma Mater, Alabama. With all these factors, Foster could end up in Baltimore.
Strengths
Reuben Foster, as previously stated, is one of the most explosive and prolific defenders in this year’s draft. He is 6’0″, and 229 pounds, and knows how to pack a punch, as he is one of the hardest hitters in college football. There is always potential for a big play or big hit when he is on the field. He tends to blow things up, and gets around blockers well to make a play. Once he gets to the point of making a tackle, he rarely lets the ball carrier escape. He is primarily a run stuffing linebacker, but has potential to make a play at the quarterback. While watching his tape, I noticed that he won’t always get the sack, but he does pressure the quarterback into hasty throws or running out of the pocket. By doing this, he can help the defense make a play on the ball, even when it isn’t him who makes the play. Despite being best used as a run stuffing linebacker, he is solid in coverage, and can keep potential receivers locked up. Finally, he seems to be very determined every play, and plays to the best of his ability.
Weaknesses
One question that has been surrounding Reuben Foster is his character. Foster had been attending the NFL Combine this year, but was asked to leave after a verbal altercation with doctors. Foster had been apparently waiting for some time, and there was confusion whether or not he was in the right place, before the altercation occured. Foster ended up sending a letter to all 32 NFL teams, apologizing for his behavior at the NFL Combine, and explained what occured. Owning up to the problem will help ease the blow of this mistake. Going back to his playing abilities, his tackling techniques are questionable. He tends to lower the head while going for a tackle, and this could lead to some stingers and other problems. He also has had some injuries in the past, including a shoulder injury that required surgery. He does tend to trip and fall once in a while, so he will have to avoid that. Finally, he is not going to be a linebacker that will get many interceptions, but will help in other places.
His Fit on the Ravens
If the Ravens decide to draft Foster, it will be an instant upgrade at a position with some question marks surrounding it. Foster will become an instant starter alongside Pro Bowl linebacker CJ Mosley, who is also from Alabama. The duo would instantly become one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL, and would blend well with arguably the best safety duo in the NFL, with Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson. Foster would add the spark to the defense that it needs. The Ravens defense was good last season, but just wasn’t able to hold on towards the end of the season. Foster would help provide some consistency for the team’s defense.
Rating
Overall, I give Reuben Foster a 4.7/5.0 Prospect rating. He is a fantastic run defending linebacker, with big play potential every down. He makes the plays that need to be made, whether it be tackling a runner, or pressuring a quarterback. He is a very hard hitter, and makes opponents feel his presence. He is also solid in his pass coverage, and can hold his own down the field. He has some problems though, including his combine incident. Whichever team selects Foster will get a solid linebacker with great potential for years to come.
