2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mason Foster

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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