Baltimore Ravens: The Pros And Cons Of Drafting Reuben Foster
Reuben Foster is one of the top draft picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. Should the Baltimore Ravens draft him? Here is a look at the pros and cons:
Reuben Foster is universally thought of as a top 10 pick. This draft season hasn’t gone the way he may have hoped though. Foster got sent home from the NFL Scouting combine, had a diluted drug test and all of this has raised some concerns. Foster’s talent is not in question meaning the Ravens would have a hard time saying no to him.
Foster was an incredibly productive linebacker at Alabama. In 2016 he had 115 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and five sacks. Foster is one of the most physical players in this draft and he is as tough as they come. Foster is an old school linebacker who is perfect for the new age of football. He can cover the pass, roam sideline to sideline and blitz better than any inside linebacker prospect.
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Pros To Drafting Foster:
C.J. Mosley is one of the most athletic linebackers in the National Football League. Adding the athletic ability of Reuben Foster next to him, would be almost unfair. The Ravens have to replace Zach Orr. The strength of the Ravens defense was the front seven. The strength of the front seven was the inside triangle of Brandon Williams, Mosley and Orr. Foster is a very similar player to Orr, and he could keep a good thing going.
The Ravens defense could have the most dominating defense in the NFL. Running against the Ravens with Williams, Mosley and Foster as the interior of the defense would be next to impossible. This would come in handy against the Steelers, who have the very elusive and powerful Le’Veon Bell. Foster’s blitzing ability could open new pass rushing options for Dean Pees to have fun with. Drafting Foster would help the Ravens. There is no doubt about that.
Cons To Drafting Foster:
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The Ravens defense is pretty stacked as it is. The defense has a couple of needs but the offense is completely in need. The Ravens need a wide receiver and they have to fix the offensive line. The Ravens have a ton of work to do, and if they don’t help the offense in the first round they will regret it. It’s hard to call Foster a bad option. He is just not the right option.
The Ravens traded Timmy Jernigan, and I don’t think it was just because he was a free agent next offseason. I think John Harbaugh and the coaching staff were eager to see an undisciplined player go. Foster has raised some red flags. It’s the only reason he is in the conversation as late as the 16th pick. Foster plays with a fiery passion, the kind that Ray Lewis fashioned in his playing days. The question is however, can that fire be contained? If it can be, he can channel it and become a leader. If not, he could become a distraction.
The Ravens have other options though at the linebacker position. They can find players later in the draft. Investing heavily in two inside linebackers is a luxury the Ravens don’t have.
Next: Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Primer: What You Need To Know
Conclusion:
Foster is a good option for the Ravens. He offers the Ravens something that could be very appealing to Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh and Dean Pees. If he is the best player ranked on the Ravens board, they will probably take him. The problem is that Foster is not the best pick for the Ravens. He fills a secondary need, not a primary one.