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NFL mock draft: Reuben Foster lands with Chiefs again

By Matt Conner

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) and linebacker Reuben Foster (10) pursue during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) and linebacker Reuben Foster (10) pursue during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs have a significant need in the heart of their defense, and more than one mock draft has pointed to an answer: Reuben Foster.

The NFL Combine hurt the stock of Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. Considered a lock as a top 10 pick at one point, his outburst at a hospital worker showed some potential anger issues or character concerns that could knock him down some teams’ draft boards. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that might be exactly what they need when mock drafts continue to put Foster at No. 27.

Foster was sent home early from the Combine by NFL officials after he got into a “heated altercation” while waiting for his physical. His impatience was of particular concern since this was an obvious high pressure environment where every little facet of a player’s personality and game is analyzed and weighed against others. Since that time, Foster has apologized for the incident and is explaining himself to NFL teams in a letter.

Monday Morning Quarterback’s Emily Kaplan has the latest mock draft that features Foster to the Chiefs. It’s the second such draft after Bucky Brooks believed the same. The pick was already a solid connection of talent to need, since the Chiefs need someone to play alongside Derrick Johnson in the team’s base defense after losing Josh Mauga to free agency. Ramik Wilson can step in when needed, but the team could use an upgrade.

Johnson himself is a question mark after an Achilles injury, especially as a 34-year-old. Can he come back and be the same player? Should the Chiefs plan for life post-DJ anyway? Kaplan writes:

"A player with a few off-field question marks doesn’t scare away this front office, which believes it has the right system in place to help young men flourish. Foster is an explosive tackling machine, and a possible successor to Derrick Johnson."

Kaplan is spot-on in her analysis even if middle linebacker isn’t exactly a spot needed with first-round talent in the Chiefs defense. A mid-round pick makes much more sense given team needs, and even a pass rusher who goes later, like Tim Williams, is a better value for the Chiefs. Still Foster would be a solid addition from day one and a fan favorite to know the middle is set for the next half-decade or more.

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