Scouting Reports: LB Reuben Foster

LB Reuben Foster, Alabama

6’0”, 229 lbs.

Pros:

• Highly productive starting ILB the past two years in the SEC.
• Really good cover linebacker, should be capable of defending most backs out of the backfield and a number of tight ends in man coverage.
• Smart zone defender, who uses his speed and quickness to break on the ball.
• Really quick and athletic linebacker, which makes him dangerous in pursuit.
• Excellent range to chase down ball carriers.
• Good blitzer, can bring effective pressure when asked to attack the quarterback.
• Big time hitter, will make ball carrier’s feel it if he hits them, and stops forward progress cold.

Cons:

• Has some medical concerns that teams will need to evaluate.
• Was sent home from the Combine after an argument with a medical worker, maturity and discipline will be questioned.
• Will go for the big hit too often and he’s whiffed some, which could be more problematic versus more athletic NFL players.

Overall:

Assuming that the medical concerns with Foster aren’t that critical, he remains an elite prospect worthy of a top ten pick and should definitely go in the top 20. Foster has incredible range in both coverage and run defense making him a perfect fit for today’s NFL off ball linebacker.

Too often now non-pass rushing linebackers fall into one of two categories of good run support guys, who are average at best versus the pass if not a down right liability. Or they are good in coverage, but lack the bulk, power, and instincts to defend the run effectively. Foster is a rare blend of being really good in both areas with no major weakness. That gives him the chance to be an elite player at the next level and a true difference maker.