Prospect: Reuben Foster, Alabama
Comparison: Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Reuben Foster is the No. 2 overall player on my 2017 NFL Draft Big Board. He’s a versatile defender capable of making game-changing plays. His toughness and tenacity are infectious and set the tone for the entire defense.
Seattle’s Bobby Wagner plays a similar style of football. He’s a leader on the field as someone who works to get his teammates in proper position. Foster is ready to take on that leadership role from day one.
Both players support the run by making plays from sideline to sideline. They don’t hesitate to attack the line of scrimmage and can take on blockers in the hole.
However, it’s their ability to hold up in coverage that separates them from other linebackers. Wagner quickly established himself as an asset in coverage and continues to be among the league’s best in this category.
Foster is still developing his coverage skills, but has made great strides throughout the course of his career. He also as the balance and overall athleticism needed to be a top-notch coverage linebacker.
It’ll be interesting to see how early Foster comes off the board. He’s talented enough to be a top-5 pick, but plays a position that typically doesn’t hold the same value as others.