When thinking about the linebackers that San Francisco 49ers have recently had, Patrick Willis, Charles Haley, Fred Dean, and Navarro Bowman, it only makes sense that Reuben Foster was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. With all of those names as aforementioned, Foster is coming in to fill some big shoes. Yet, after being such a dominant force in college, and being the defensive leader of The Alabama Crimson Tide, he is looking like one of the best steals of the draft for the Niners.
Reuben Foster left Alabama as an All-American and All-SEC dominant linebacker, along with winning the Dick Butkus award and the MVP of the SEC Championship game. Foster has a lot of upside, after tallying 115 tackles with five sacks. Foster will easily fit in with this rebuilding defense immediately. Especially playing beside Navarro Bowman and Malcolm Smith. Foster will become the young dominant force this older linebacking corps will need. Foster has high upside and is going to be able to learn from the best, as well as be a vocal leader for younger players on this roster.
While this defense of the San Francisco 49ers struggled against just about everything against opposing teams, Foster will be able to help against both the pass and rush against opposing teams. While Reuben Foster will be somewhat in the shadows with this linebacking corps, but he has the most potential to break out and the most upside out of the majority of the rookies in the draft this year. Reuben Foster may not be able to blow his college numbers out of the water, but he will get very close to his numbers this year. Be on the lookout for Reuben Foster making big and quiet moves against opposing teams this year.
Editor’s Note: This article can be also be seen in our upcoming NFL Preview Edition.