Raiders 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Reuben Foster

With linebacker being a primary need, Reuben Foster is everything the Oakland Raiders need and more.

Despite going 12-4 and being one of the better teams in the AFC in 2016, the defensive unit for the Oakland Raiders was a major weak point. Not only did the Raiders have a bottom tier defense for the majority of the year, but they had arguably one of the worst linebacking cores in all of football.

The Raiders elected to not re-sign Malcolm Smith and also have Perry Riley Jr. waiting on the back burner. The current linebacker core consists of Bruce Irvin, James Cowser, Cory James and Tyrell Adams. To say the current personnel for the linebacker core is weak would be an understatement.

Linebacker is a dire need for the Raiders, and they would be wise to spend an early round pick on one. Reuben Foster out of Alabama is not only a blue-chip prospect, but he is head and shoulders above any other linebacker in this draft class.

Being able to add a player of Foster’s ability would be huge for the Raiders. Let’s take a look at Foster, and see how much the Raiders could use his skill-set.

Production

In 39 career games with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Reuben Foster was able to rack up 211 total tackles (23 for loss), 7 sacks and 9 passes defensed.

Foster was essentially the quarterback of the Alabama defense and was one of the main driving forces behind the Crimson Tide leading the nation in total scoring defense and run defense. During his senior year, Foster led the team in tackles, which in turn earned him the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the nation.

Measurables

Although some might be a bit concerned with Foster’s size, he fits the bill as a modern day NFL linebacker. He was officially listed at 6 feet tall and 229 pounds.

Because of the injuries Foster was battling throughout his last college season, we were all robbed of seeing him perform at the NFL combine. Foster also missed out on his pro day, although he has met with several teams as of late for interviews.

Strengths

When you watch Foster play, you notice a lot of things. One of the first things you particularly notice is his brilliant football IQ. When it comes to recognizing a play and completely blowing it up, Foster is head over heels above anyone in this years class. It is clear he spends a ton of time in the film room, and it seems to pay off for him consistently.

Here’s an example:

Another strength that sets Foster apart from the other linebacker prospects would be his sideline to sideline ability, and how he is able to close in on a play so quickly.

Here, Foster recognizes the play and is able to beat the running back to the edge and lay a viscous hit in the process.

Another ability that Foster can hang his hat on his innate skill to be able to cover the tight end position, and even at times the slot receiver. Both of those positions seemed to haunt the Raiders for the 2016 season.

To summarize Foster’s strengths, he can pretty much do it all. From his run-stuffing ability, to his coverage skills. Both of those are points of weaknesses when addressing the Raiders defense.

Weaknesses

A point of weakness that a lot of draft scouts have been pointing to has been Foster’s tackling technique and how it has caused him injure himself on more than one occasion. More specifically the “stinger” issue that he has been bugged by.

Another thing scouts have pointed to has been his overall injury history. There has been a lingering rumor that his surgically repaired rotator cuff has not healed, and that could threaten his tenure as an NFL player. Take it with a grain of salt if you would like, or be cautious at your own risk.

Next: Raiders 7-Round Mock Draft

Prediction

If you want me to be completely honest, I would be shocked if Reuben Foster fell all the way to the 24th pick. Foster is by far the best linebacker in this entire class and is a consensus first round pick on all major mock drafts.

Foster possesses everything want in a linebacker and any team with a need at that position would be dumb to pass on him. With that said, Foster is a near lock to be the first linebacker taken , and I would expect him to go anywhere from pick #10-15.

With all of that said, if the Raiders somehow get their hands on Foster, you can be sure that the middle of the defense will be solidified for the next 10 years.