With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Comparisons: Prospect-Player Matches

By Jon Dove

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs the ball as Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) defends during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) runs the ball as Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) defends during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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