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Detroit Lions Draft 2017: Prospects Who May Fall To The 21st Pick

By Ash Thompson

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) walks onto the field just before the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (91) walks onto the field just before the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) tackles Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) tackles Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Reuben Foster: LB, Alabama

It’s the little things that set Foster apart from other linebackers in the draft. With seven remaining in the second quarter against Tennessee Foster saw one of his teammates in good position to make a tackle on an inside draw play. He did not stop moving his feet, he is never caught flat footed, he is always moving.

What Foster did was pause momentarily, allow his teammate to make the play, and then augment that play.  It was a brief pause, but an example what elevates Foster’s game. No player is perfect however. Foster does  rely on his athleticism to go around and underneath blocks to chase a ball carrier from behind. He takes himself out of plays, and will need to address that.

In pass coverage, Foster attacks his responsibilities rather than waiting for them to come to him. His ability to quickly change direction allows him to be more aggressive than a lot of linebackers. It also allows him to recover quickly against play-action fakes. The opening defensive play against Texas A&M is a perfect example of what I am talking about.

He starts the play inside of the receiver, and steps toward his responsibility at the snap. The receiver appears to be cutting in, and foster stops dead in his tracks but keeps his feet moving. This turns out to be a good thing, as the receiver cuts out, and Foster rapidly closes on him. The ball goes elsewhere by design, but foster’s active feet took his responsibility off the table.

Foster is a top ten talent without a doubt. Foster may fall in the draft however because he had an incident at the combine that may scare teams off. If he falls to 21, that means that in all likelihood Haason Reddick has been snapped up.

Next: Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft 3.0

The drop off after those two players is like a cliff. Foster provides top ten talent at a position of extreme need for the Lions. His selection represents the best possible outcome for the Lions at the draft. Just don’t ask him to be a candy striper.

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