Chicago Bears 2017 draft position profiles: Linebackers

Reuben Foster, Alabama (6-foot-2, 236 pounds)

Last year, scouts poured over Alabama film looking at linebacker Reggie Ragland. Ragland was one of the top linebackers in the nation, and he finished leading the Crimson Tide to another title.

As scouts looked at the film, they noticed the other linebacker, Reuben Foster. The film on him showed an even better athlete than Ragland. Ragland ended up being a second-round pick last year. This year, Foster projects as a top-ten prospect.

At Alabama, Foster needed to wait his turn to get on the field defensively. He became the starter in his junior season. In the meantime, he starred on special teams, utilizing his hard-hitting skills.

Foster looks exactly like a linebacker should, with broad shoulders and thick body. What makes him special, though, is his speed. He shows incredible burst, and he goes sideline to sideline very quickly. He has loose hips and long strides. His hard hitting continued, as he became one of the most feared hitters in the nation. He doesn’t just depend on his hitting to get ball carriers down, however. He uses excellent wrap technique to make sure they don’t get away.

At times, Foster gets too aggressive. He takes sharp angles in pursuit that leave little room for mistakes.

If the Chicago Bears want to get back to instilling fear on their opponents, Reuben Foster can help them do that.