There has been no shortage of predictions, analysis and expectations regarding San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Reuben Foster.
He's already been named the steal of the draft, the best newcomer of the NFC West and a top SEC opponent. Now, NFL.com analyst and former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest thinks Foster can make a case for defensive rookie of the year in 2017.
McGinest predicted 100 tackles, four passes defended, three sacks and two interceptions for Foster's rookie season.
View the top images of the defense during the team's offseason program.
DB Jimmie Ward
DL Arik Armstead
"San Francisco picked up a great talent late in the first round of this year's draft. This is a rookie who could make huge waves immediately. Foster has tremendous instincts and is coming into the league as one of the best open-field tacklers. If there's a prototype linebacker that a team should build around, he's it. Foster comes in with a lot of knowledge after being the quarterback of Nick Saban's defense at Alabama, and playing alongside veteran NaVorro Bowman will only make his transition to the pros easier. I won't be surprised if Foster seriously contends for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award."
