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New York Giants: Will Passing on Reuben Foster haunt them?

By John Franklin

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants took Ole Miss TE Evan Engram with their first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Alabama LB Reuben Foster was still on the board, should Big Blue have taken him?

The New York Giants have been a bit more than bold in recent years at the NFL Draft, but 2017 could take the cake.

In the weeks leading up to the draft it seemed like the Giants were destined to take a linebacker or an offensive tackle. Fast forward to pick 23, and the Giants shock the football world by taking tight end Evan Engram.

There is value that lies within Engram, but the Giants passed on perhaps the most dynamic linebacker in the draft.

Reuben Foster out of Alabama is an absolute force, and was a steal for the 49ers at 31. His versatility is unrivaled, and the Giants really missed out on him, but he is going through concussion protocol right now.

Regardless of the injury, the New York Giants are making a big mistake not addressing their defensive holes. Yes, Engram is a good value pick, but passing on Foster is something the Giants will not live down.

There is a murmur in the fan community that the Engram pick was genius, but really, it was outrageous. He is a talented player, and could work wonders for the offense, but there is still a defensive hole.

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The Giants don’t have a good pass-rushing linebacker, and that’s exactly what Foster provided. There is nothing changing the fact that the Giants messed up, so they better hope the Engram pick works out.

Picking Foster at 23 would have been highway robbery. The future of the defense is bright, and Foster would have made it brighter. Now, as always, Giants fans will be left worried and guessing until the new season starts.

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