Mason Foster of Washington ~ 6.2/240
"Possesses good overall girth for the position and exhibits some natural pop as a tackler on contact. Does a nice job wrapping up and bringing his legs through the ball carrier and seems to have improved his overall motor as a senior leader in 2010. Possesses average athletic ability and straight-line in pursuit, but has improved his overall instincts as a senior.
Does a much better job reading his run keys, locating the football and making his way toward the play. Exhibits some lateral quickness as well, is more of a run around guy who can slip blocks and close on the football. Isn't overly physical at the point of attack when run at, but uses his hands well to slip blocks through the play, find the football and break down on the ball carrier.
Is a bit limited in his back-pedal and doesn't get much depth in his drop. However, possesses good body control in coverage and for a bigger backer possesses good fluidity in and out of his breaks. Looks clean when asked to redirect, isn't overly explosive, but does a nice job maintaining balance and getting after the football. Exhibits good ball skills and has a good feel in zone, reading the quarterback's eyes and getting his hands on footballs thrown. Always seems to put himself around the football.
Impression: A guy who has just really worn on me as the year went on. Possesses a nice frame, uses his hands well to slip blocks, finds and tackles the football well and exhibits above-average fluidity in coverage. Isn't a dynamic athlete, but good enough to become a very solid starting linebacker in the NFL."
Does a much better job reading his run keys, locating the football and making his way toward the play. Exhibits some lateral quickness as well, is more of a run around guy who can slip blocks and close on the football. Isn't overly physical at the point of attack when run at, but uses his hands well to slip blocks through the play, find the football and break down on the ball carrier.
Is a bit limited in his back-pedal and doesn't get much depth in his drop. However, possesses good body control in coverage and for a bigger backer possesses good fluidity in and out of his breaks. Looks clean when asked to redirect, isn't overly explosive, but does a nice job maintaining balance and getting after the football. Exhibits good ball skills and has a good feel in zone, reading the quarterback's eyes and getting his hands on footballs thrown. Always seems to put himself around the football.
Impression: A guy who has just really worn on me as the year went on. Possesses a nice frame, uses his hands well to slip blocks, finds and tackles the football well and exhibits above-average fluidity in coverage. Isn't a dynamic athlete, but good enough to become a very solid starting linebacker in the NFL."
"Quarterback Jake Locker and the Washington offense received plenty of attention this season. However, the key to the late-season run -- four consecutive wins, including over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl -- was the improved play of the UW defense.
That turnaround was headed by Foster, the Pac-10's leading tackler with 163 stops this season -- 58 more than the next-leading tackler in the conference (UW safety Nate Williams). It is the highest-single season total of any Pac-10 defender since James Clifford (Washington) posted 168 in 1989.
Some of Foster's success is undoubtedly due to the fact that Washington didn't have playmakers around him. Too many of Foster's tackles came yards downfield. However, Foster is hardly a one-year wonder. In fact, Foster also led the Pac-10 in tackles per game as a sophomore, registering 8.75 stops per contest (105). After each of his conference-leading seasons Foster was voted the Huskies' Defensive MVP. In 2010, he was also voted a consensus first-team All-Pac-10 defender and an All-American by some publications.
The four-year starter has the instincts to play in the middle and the athleticism to remain outside. He might lack the name recognition of the top linebackers in the draft, but his production and consistency won't be overlooked. Many were surprised to see Donald Butler wind up as a third-round pick (San Diego) last April. Foster should match and could even better Butler's draft status.
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Read & React: Instinctive defender. Reads keys quickly and gets to the ball with on wasted motion. Great production and made many tackles beating blockers to the point. Rarely fooled by misdirection, though he is aggressive in attacking the line of scrimmage and can be tricked by good play-action. Keeps his head on a swivel in coverage and reacts quickly to the throw. Is always around the ball.
Run Defense: Very instinctive. Not a particularly physical linebacker despite his production. Prefers to slip past blockers by recognizing the play or using quick, strong hands to slap away blockers' attempts to get into his chest. Willing to take on the fullback at the point of attack. Does a nice job of leading with the correct shoulder to slip off the block in tight quarters and make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. Slips blocks as well as any linebacker in the country. Lacks the power, however, to physically jolt blockers to disengage. When blockers are able to get their hands on him, he struggles to come free. Gives excellent effort, however, in pursuit.
Pass Defense: Inconsistent with his initial jam of the tight end at the line of scrimmage. Gains good depth on his initial drops, but isn't a great athlete capable of running with backs or speedy tight ends down the seam. At his best in coverage playing zone and reading the eyes of quarterbacks. Breaks quickly when the ball comes out. Good ball skills and has four career interceptions.
Tackling: His best asset. Breaks down well in the open field and is a reliable tackler. Does a nice job of wrapping his arms around the ballcarrier, usually at the knees or lower for the secure stop. Leads with his shoulder and brings his hips, delivering a nice pop, though he isn't a truly explosive hitter. Has a short-area burst to close. Quick hands to rip the ball away. Can force fumbles upon contact, including six in 2009. Good hand-eye coordination to make the diving stop.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Lacks a true pass-rush repertoire, but is an experienced blitzer who times the snap well. Good burst and flexibility to avoid blockers and shows a burst to close when he has an open lane. Re-directs well and can chase down the scrambling quarterback. Rips at the ball, rather than just going for the sack, when he has a blindside hit of the quarterback. Registered 10.5 sacks in his career, including 6.5 as a senior.
Intangibles: A standout special teams player. Might be an ascending player whose best football is still ahead of him. Credited with one of the biggest and unusual plays in UW history with an interception -- on a deflection off the foot of an Arizona receiver -- and 37-yard return for a touchdown in 2009. His touchdown, Washington's second in the final three minutes, gave the Huskies a stunning 36-33 victory."
That turnaround was headed by Foster, the Pac-10's leading tackler with 163 stops this season -- 58 more than the next-leading tackler in the conference (UW safety Nate Williams). It is the highest-single season total of any Pac-10 defender since James Clifford (Washington) posted 168 in 1989.
Some of Foster's success is undoubtedly due to the fact that Washington didn't have playmakers around him. Too many of Foster's tackles came yards downfield. However, Foster is hardly a one-year wonder. In fact, Foster also led the Pac-10 in tackles per game as a sophomore, registering 8.75 stops per contest (105). After each of his conference-leading seasons Foster was voted the Huskies' Defensive MVP. In 2010, he was also voted a consensus first-team All-Pac-10 defender and an All-American by some publications.
The four-year starter has the instincts to play in the middle and the athleticism to remain outside. He might lack the name recognition of the top linebackers in the draft, but his production and consistency won't be overlooked. Many were surprised to see Donald Butler wind up as a third-round pick (San Diego) last April. Foster should match and could even better Butler's draft status.
***
Read & React: Instinctive defender. Reads keys quickly and gets to the ball with on wasted motion. Great production and made many tackles beating blockers to the point. Rarely fooled by misdirection, though he is aggressive in attacking the line of scrimmage and can be tricked by good play-action. Keeps his head on a swivel in coverage and reacts quickly to the throw. Is always around the ball.
Run Defense: Very instinctive. Not a particularly physical linebacker despite his production. Prefers to slip past blockers by recognizing the play or using quick, strong hands to slap away blockers' attempts to get into his chest. Willing to take on the fullback at the point of attack. Does a nice job of leading with the correct shoulder to slip off the block in tight quarters and make the tackle at the line of scrimmage. Slips blocks as well as any linebacker in the country. Lacks the power, however, to physically jolt blockers to disengage. When blockers are able to get their hands on him, he struggles to come free. Gives excellent effort, however, in pursuit.
Pass Defense: Inconsistent with his initial jam of the tight end at the line of scrimmage. Gains good depth on his initial drops, but isn't a great athlete capable of running with backs or speedy tight ends down the seam. At his best in coverage playing zone and reading the eyes of quarterbacks. Breaks quickly when the ball comes out. Good ball skills and has four career interceptions.
Tackling: His best asset. Breaks down well in the open field and is a reliable tackler. Does a nice job of wrapping his arms around the ballcarrier, usually at the knees or lower for the secure stop. Leads with his shoulder and brings his hips, delivering a nice pop, though he isn't a truly explosive hitter. Has a short-area burst to close. Quick hands to rip the ball away. Can force fumbles upon contact, including six in 2009. Good hand-eye coordination to make the diving stop.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Lacks a true pass-rush repertoire, but is an experienced blitzer who times the snap well. Good burst and flexibility to avoid blockers and shows a burst to close when he has an open lane. Re-directs well and can chase down the scrambling quarterback. Rips at the ball, rather than just going for the sack, when he has a blindside hit of the quarterback. Registered 10.5 sacks in his career, including 6.5 as a senior.
Intangibles: A standout special teams player. Might be an ascending player whose best football is still ahead of him. Credited with one of the biggest and unusual plays in UW history with an interception -- on a deflection off the foot of an Arizona receiver -- and 37-yard return for a touchdown in 2009. His touchdown, Washington's second in the final three minutes, gave the Huskies a stunning 36-33 victory."
"Coverage: As an NFL defensive coordinator, I would feel comfortable with Foster in pass coverage. He has good fluid hips that allow him to stick with a streaking tight end or a running back in the flat. His overall speed and athleticism will help him avoid being a target of opposing offensive coordinators. In zone coverage, Foster has a tendency to get his pad level too high which leads to false steps. Those false steps limit his ability to break and make a play on the ball. However, he has good short area quickness which does help his click and close ability. He has average hands and good awareness for the routes developing around him.
Instincts: Foster is a very instinctive linebacker that quickly identifies his offensive line keys. He is the type of player that is always around the football and making plays. It is evident in his play on the field that he spends a ton of time studying game film. Foster is found moving in the direction of the play often before the ball is in the ball carriers hands. He has a nose for the football and that great awareness allows him to quickly identify the ball carrier.
Pass Rush: This is one of the weaker parts of Foster's game in that he doesn't bring much to the table in the form of a pass rush. He has the quickness and athleticism to be effective but lacks savvy. Foster has poor timing and often gets caught hand fighting with the offensive line.
Pursuit: It would not be rare to find Foster several yards down the field making a play on the ball carrier. He possesses a relentless motor which helps with his pursuit on the football. Foster routinely takes proper angles and has the speed to prevent running backs from getting to the edge. His speed also makes him a sideline to sideline threat.
Quickness: Foster has good all around quickness that impacts his game in many ways. His short area quickness allows him to break on the football. Foster has a good second gear explosion which permits him to close on the ball carrier.
Run Defense: An area of concern for Foster is his ability to sit in his stance and hold strong at the point of attack. He has a tendency to raise his pad level which allows blockers to get into his body and drive him off the ball. However, he the suddenness and lateral movement necessary to effectively avoid potential blockers. Still this is a concern because in the NFL he will need to be able to stack and shed on the edge which maybe something he struggles adjusting too.
Strength: I mentioned Foster's struggles stacking at the line but that is mainly due to technique issues rather than strength. His strength is apparent with his ability to shed blocks with his hands. When he prevents blockers from getting into his body he is able to rip and club his way off blocks.
Tackling: Foster is a solid tackler that is often under control when approaching the ball carrier. He shows good technique by breaking down with his head up and on a swivel. He then rolls his hips and explodes into the ball carrier delivering a pop.
Games Viewed: USC, Oregon State, Stanford, California, and Nebraska
Final word: After watching several games, I fell in love with Foster's abilities and performance. He showed to be a real playmaker that is always around the football. His tenacity and instincts routinely put him in place to make a play on the football. He is not going to bring you much of a pass rush but has the coverage skills to be a 3 down linebacker. I will also argue that he is capable of being a 4 down linebacker meaning he could have an impact on special teams. Foster is a guy I would feel comfortable selecting in the early to mid 2nd round and plugging him in to start from day 1."
Instincts: Foster is a very instinctive linebacker that quickly identifies his offensive line keys. He is the type of player that is always around the football and making plays. It is evident in his play on the field that he spends a ton of time studying game film. Foster is found moving in the direction of the play often before the ball is in the ball carriers hands. He has a nose for the football and that great awareness allows him to quickly identify the ball carrier.
Pass Rush: This is one of the weaker parts of Foster's game in that he doesn't bring much to the table in the form of a pass rush. He has the quickness and athleticism to be effective but lacks savvy. Foster has poor timing and often gets caught hand fighting with the offensive line.
Pursuit: It would not be rare to find Foster several yards down the field making a play on the ball carrier. He possesses a relentless motor which helps with his pursuit on the football. Foster routinely takes proper angles and has the speed to prevent running backs from getting to the edge. His speed also makes him a sideline to sideline threat.
Quickness: Foster has good all around quickness that impacts his game in many ways. His short area quickness allows him to break on the football. Foster has a good second gear explosion which permits him to close on the ball carrier.
Run Defense: An area of concern for Foster is his ability to sit in his stance and hold strong at the point of attack. He has a tendency to raise his pad level which allows blockers to get into his body and drive him off the ball. However, he the suddenness and lateral movement necessary to effectively avoid potential blockers. Still this is a concern because in the NFL he will need to be able to stack and shed on the edge which maybe something he struggles adjusting too.
Strength: I mentioned Foster's struggles stacking at the line but that is mainly due to technique issues rather than strength. His strength is apparent with his ability to shed blocks with his hands. When he prevents blockers from getting into his body he is able to rip and club his way off blocks.
Tackling: Foster is a solid tackler that is often under control when approaching the ball carrier. He shows good technique by breaking down with his head up and on a swivel. He then rolls his hips and explodes into the ball carrier delivering a pop.
Games Viewed: USC, Oregon State, Stanford, California, and Nebraska
Final word: After watching several games, I fell in love with Foster's abilities and performance. He showed to be a real playmaker that is always around the football. His tenacity and instincts routinely put him in place to make a play on the football. He is not going to bring you much of a pass rush but has the coverage skills to be a 3 down linebacker. I will also argue that he is capable of being a 4 down linebacker meaning he could have an impact on special teams. Foster is a guy I would feel comfortable selecting in the early to mid 2nd round and plugging him in to start from day 1."
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 163/14/6.5. Had 85/7.5/2 as a junior and 105 tackles as a sophomore.
Positive: Productive college linebacker who hustles around the field to make plays. Breaks down well, fluid moving in every direction and effectively makes plays in space or quickly gets out to the flanks and cuts off the corners. Uses his hands to protect himself, smooth turning his hips in transition and gets depth on pass drops. Plays with a good degree of quickness. Remains disciplined with assignments.
Negative: Slow shedding blocks and can be handled by tight ends or fullbacks. Does not display great speed in pursuit.
Analysis: Foster was a terrific college linebacker but may not have the pure athleticism to start at the next level."
Positive: Productive college linebacker who hustles around the field to make plays. Breaks down well, fluid moving in every direction and effectively makes plays in space or quickly gets out to the flanks and cuts off the corners. Uses his hands to protect himself, smooth turning his hips in transition and gets depth on pass drops. Plays with a good degree of quickness. Remains disciplined with assignments.
Negative: Slow shedding blocks and can be handled by tight ends or fullbacks. Does not display great speed in pursuit.
Analysis: Foster was a terrific college linebacker but may not have the pure athleticism to start at the next level."
"Positives: Incredible production in 2010 (136 tackles, 3 sacks), very consistent production, tallied no less than nine tackles in a game in 2010... Decent speed for size and position (4.6-40)... Has an ideal frame to play weakside linebacker in several schemes, excellent bulk, plays bigger than listed size... Is a true football player and throwback-style linebacker, plays with a great motor and shows his love for playing the game between every whistle... Shows the ability to be a big-time hitter, drives through tackles and uses momentum very effectively, forced six fumbles in 2009... Is a true team player, has a very humble personality and values winning above all else, coaches rave about his attitude and work ethic... Is a natural athlete and playmaker, played three positions in high school including quarterback... Has a quick closing burst, especially when zeroing in on opposing quarterbacks, trusts instincts and then reacts... Is very powerful against blockers off the edge, which makes him a very able pass rusher along the outside, bull rush is surprisingly effective for his size... Has the potential to be a tackling machine in the NFL because of high motor and passion for playing the position, has all the physical tools to be a nightmare against the run, and has never had durability issues.
Negatives: Plays on a defense that ranks at the bottom of the FBS, so he has been the beneficiary of a lot of opportunities, which could be one of the reasons for huge productivity... Tends to play a little high, which leads to him getting out of position at times, needs to lower center of gravity in order to increase explosiveness when engaging blockers... Has the ability to rush the passer, but does not have a large arsenal of pass-rushing moves, and will not likely be relied upon as a third-down option in the NFL... Not a natural defender in coverage, is too stiff in the hips to be effective in man coverage against NFL tight ends and backs... Is not an incredibly flashy player, does not possess elite quickness or agility... Can get caught up in traffic when scraping due to average lateral agility, needs to work on taking better angles near the line of scrimmage to make up for being a little heavy on his feet."
Negatives: Plays on a defense that ranks at the bottom of the FBS, so he has been the beneficiary of a lot of opportunities, which could be one of the reasons for huge productivity... Tends to play a little high, which leads to him getting out of position at times, needs to lower center of gravity in order to increase explosiveness when engaging blockers... Has the ability to rush the passer, but does not have a large arsenal of pass-rushing moves, and will not likely be relied upon as a third-down option in the NFL... Not a natural defender in coverage, is too stiff in the hips to be effective in man coverage against NFL tight ends and backs... Is not an incredibly flashy player, does not possess elite quickness or agility... Can get caught up in traffic when scraping due to average lateral agility, needs to work on taking better angles near the line of scrimmage to make up for being a little heavy on his feet."
"Strengths: Great instincts and good athletic ability allow for Foster to be a very productive linebacker. Diagnoses plays quickly, and uses his quickness and lateral agility to get to the ball in a hurry. Picks thru the trash well to get to the ball carrier. Quick hands to disenegage from blocks. Good tackler who rarely misses a tackle. Good balance, as he can make tackles out in space as well. Can deliver a violent blow as a tackler. Is a playmaker, as evidenced by his eight forced fumbles the past two seasons. His speed, agility, and pursuit allow him to make plays all over the field. Reads screen plays very well. A fluid athlete who drops into coverage well. Aware in coverage, as he reads the QB and receiver routes well. Has the ability to stay with backs and tight ends in man coverage downfield. Has shown the ability to rush the passer on third downs. Has lined up as a pass rusher and gotten pressure on the QB and even a few sacks.
Weaknesses: A good but not an elite athlete. Foster will try to run around blocks at times instead of taking them on and shedding them. Goes for the tackle too high occasionally, which will get him in trouble against bigger, stronger runners at the next level.
Projection: A second or third rounder, Foster should compete on day one for a starting spot. His versatility makes him a fit at either a 4-3 will linebacker or a 3-4 inside linebacker spot."
Weaknesses: A good but not an elite athlete. Foster will try to run around blocks at times instead of taking them on and shedding them. Goes for the tackle too high occasionally, which will get him in trouble against bigger, stronger runners at the next level.
Projection: A second or third rounder, Foster should compete on day one for a starting spot. His versatility makes him a fit at either a 4-3 will linebacker or a 3-4 inside linebacker spot."
Tool Box's Joel Welser on Mason Foster:
"Mason Foster was one of a few freshmen to see action for Washington in 2007. He ended up starting four games, mostly at outside linebacker. Foster tallied 25 tackles and five of those were for a loss. The following year Foster was a full-time starter and did a great job, leading the team with 105 tackles including 12.0 tackles-for-loss. Foster continued his success as an upperclassman and ended up tallying 85 tackles and three interceptions.
Foster has been a staple in the middle of the defense for three years and is once again leading the way in 2010. Through seven games, Foster has tallied an impressive 82 tackles and continues to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. He has even forced two fumbles already this season. The Huskies' defense has struggled at times containing players like Nebraska's Taylor Martinez, but that is not entirely Foster's fault.
Foster has flown under the radar for the most part despite his impressive collegiate career. The NFL will take notice though and it would be surprising if he fell past the third round. With some good workouts, Foster could be one of the top outside linebackers in this class and work his way into the first or second round."
Foster has been a staple in the middle of the defense for three years and is once again leading the way in 2010. Through seven games, Foster has tallied an impressive 82 tackles and continues to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. He has even forced two fumbles already this season. The Huskies' defense has struggled at times containing players like Nebraska's Taylor Martinez, but that is not entirely Foster's fault.
Foster has flown under the radar for the most part despite his impressive collegiate career. The NFL will take notice though and it would be surprising if he fell past the third round. With some good workouts, Foster could be one of the top outside linebackers in this class and work his way into the first or second round."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Mason Foster
Coming up on the OutSide...
Foster is a 3rd Rounder who could play any System...and might move up.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
Foster is a 3rd Rounder who could play any System...and might move up.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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