New York Giants Select O.J. Howard In NFL Mock Draft 1.0
15. . Linebacker. Alabama. Reuben Foster. 11. player
The Saints could be getting a steal with Foster at No.11. He brings some concerns, as his medical history is spotty. People are also concerned with who he surrounds himself with off-field, and the bizarre incident at the NFL Combine will raise some eyebrows. But, based on football ability, Foster is a top player in this draft.
Foster led college football in run-stop percentage last season. He is an every down linebacker that plays all over the field. He showcased an improved in quickness and range in 2016 as he came into the season after dropping 15 pounds in the offseason. It resulted in a big season, as he led Alabama with 115 tackles, including 13 for loss and five sacks.
He does everything well at the linebacker spot, making him an upper echelon prospect. Foster will not be a liability in the passing game either, grading out with the eighth best pass coverage grade among linebackers that had at least 300 pass coverage snaps.
The defense has always been the Achilles heel for the Saints. Drew Brees won’t be able to put up record breaking numbers forever. The Saints need to begin adding talent to that defense and Foster would represent an excellent building block.