2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mason Foster
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Strengths:
Very productive
Great instincts
Diagnoses plays and pursues well
Reliable tackler
Durable and experienced against top competition
Possible position and scheme versatility
Passion for the game
Leader - twice voted team defensive MVP
Weaknesses: Height is not ideal
Tendency to play too upright
Struggles to disengage from blocks
Short arms
Not a prolific pass-rusher
Lacks speed to stay with running backs and tight ends
Summary: Mason Foster saw action starting as a freshman for the Huskies, and went out on a high note recording more tackles (163) in his senior campaign than any Pac-10 player in over 20 years for a single season. He also owned the Holiday Bowl as Washington avenged a blowout loss to Nebraska with a stunning win.
While Foster has experience at all three linebacker spots in a 4-3 and has potential inside in a 3-4, it is unclear which position suits him best. He is not a terrorizing pass rusher on the outside, and not overly athletic or tall enough as a 4-3 weakside linebacker should be. However, he filled up the stat sheet on an otherwise poor defense and should continue to get better in whatever role awaits him in the NFL. The safest bet might be inside an odd front.
Player Comparison: London Fletcher. When I think of undersized tackling machines, London Fletcher comes to mind. Mason Foster is in some ways similar. Neither player wowed Al Davis in the 40 (Fletcher was a low 4.7 although he did not attend the Combine) but their instincts carry them to the football. Obviously Fletcher playing at a small school and lacking measurable attributes caused him to slide out of the draft altogether. Foster garnered more attention in the Pac-10 and is a solid Day 2 selection.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: Mason Foster saw action starting as a freshman for the Huskies, and went out on a high note recording more tackles (163) in his senior campaign than any Pac-10 player in over 20 years for a single season. He also owned the Holiday Bowl as Washington avenged a blowout loss to Nebraska with a stunning win.
While Foster has experience at all three linebacker spots in a 4-3 and has potential inside in a 3-4, it is unclear which position suits him best. He is not a terrorizing pass rusher on the outside, and not overly athletic or tall enough as a 4-3 weakside linebacker should be. However, he filled up the stat sheet on an otherwise poor defense and should continue to get better in whatever role awaits him in the NFL. The safest bet might be inside an odd front.
Player Comparison: London Fletcher. When I think of undersized tackling machines, London Fletcher comes to mind. Mason Foster is in some ways similar. Neither player wowed Al Davis in the 40 (Fletcher was a low 4.7 although he did not attend the Combine) but their instincts carry them to the football. Obviously Fletcher playing at a small school and lacking measurable attributes caused him to slide out of the draft altogether. Foster garnered more attention in the Pac-10 and is a solid Day 2 selection.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports