The San Francisco 49ers moved back into the back end of the first round of the 2017 NFL draft in order to select linebacker Reuben Foster. The move cost them the fourth round pick they acquired from the Chicago Bears, so it is a pretty win-win deal.
Foster came into draft week with some red flags due to his shoulder injury, behavior at the Combine, and a failed drug test due to a dilute sample. The off-field issues will remain on our radar, but if he can stay on the field, this could prove to be the steal of the draft. The 49ers seriously considered taking him at No. 2 prior to this off-the-radar stuff. This is a guy they really liked.
And if he avoids any off-field stuff, the speed and physicality he brings to the table is insane. Here’s some video where he runs down the USC running back and just bulldozes him. There’s a lot of work still to do, but this video certainly provides reasons to be excited.
Reuben Foster -- This is nasty. Speed & physicality. #49ers pic.twitter.com/kUUPw65tIw
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 28, 2017