2017 NFL Draft: 5 Fastest Rising 2017 NFL Prospects
By Jon Dove
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Alabama has produced some amazing linebackers over the years with the likes of C.J. Mosley and Dont’a Hightower currently among the NFL’s best. However, Reuben Foster has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
Foster is an experienced and highly athletic linebacker prospect. He plays with tenacity that helps him make plays from sideline to sideline. His physical style of play has made him the tone setter for an extremely talented Alabama defense.
A key to Foster’s rising draft stock is that he’s a 4-down linebacker who supports the run, holds up in coverage and can help on special teams.
His commitment to playing with balance and keeping his head on a swivel plays a major role in his coverage skills. He does a great job feeling the routes enter his zone and has the burst needed to close on the pass.
Despite his solid coverage ability, it’s Foster’s willingness to attack the line of scrimmage and shut down the running game that makes him such a highly thought of prospect.
He trusts his reads and doesn’t hesitate to flow to the football. Foster is quick enough to avoid blockers but also shows the strength needed to hold at the point of attack. This is a complete linebacker who will be able to make an immediate impact.
At this point, Foster is trending into a top-10 pick.