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Cleveland Browns Draft Profile: Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster

By Jonathan Goehring

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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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 /

The Cleveland Browns are expected to take Myles Garrett #1 overall, but if they don’t, where do they go to fill their need at the linebacker position? Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster is an option.

Two linebackers added by the Cleveland Browns in 2016 made a significant difference for an inexperienced defense that left a lot to be desired. Acquiring Emmanuel Ogbah via the draft and Jamie Collins via a trade with the Patriots solidified the starting linebacker group in the 3-4 defense.

Still, in order to add depth and gain stability at the position, the Browns would ideally like to add another linebacker that they can line up on the inside of their defense. Many see Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett as the answer at No. 1 overall, since he is widely recognized as the most talented player in the draft.

But what if the Browns don’t see their need at linebacker as one which is worth a number one overall pick? There is an alternative.

Reuben Foster of the Alabama Crimson Tide is another strong NFL prospect somewhat in Garrett’s shadow. During four productive college seasons, the 22-year-old ascended from special teams leader to star starting inside linebacker. He is fast, explosive, and powerful, a good mix for a linebacker.

The Browns already have a talented young group of linebackers, but Foster would complement the likes of Ogbah, Collins, and Christian Kirksey very well. He has certainly played and excelled in his share of games of extremely high magnitude, being named the MVP of this past SEC Championship game against Florida.

Foster’s improvement between his junior and senior seasons is well documented, as last season he made 115 tackles, 13 for loss, and five sacks. The linebacker’s pass defense is also notable, as his athleticism allows him to be all over the field, wherever he is needed.

For all of these reasons, the Browns and their fans really ought to take a deeper look at Foster as a possible solution at linebacker and contributor on special teams. We begin by examining his scouting report.

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