The Detroit Lions opted for Jarrad Davis, linebacker out of Florida, with the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, many people were shocked to still see Alabama linebacker, Reuben Foster, still on the board when the Lions were on the clock, and fans have voiced their preference for Foster over Davis.
That preference isn’t unwarranted, as many of the most well-known draft analysts, such as Mel Kiper and Mike Mayock, pegged Foster as a top-10 overall talent. Foster ended up going No. 31 overall to San Francisco, as the team traded back into the first round to make the selection.
Why the free fall for Foster? A bevy of both on-the-field concerns with injuries, and off-the-field concerns with character issues, caused Foster to slide. And that is the exact reason why the Detroit Lions passed on the talented, but troubled, linebacker.
Injury-wise, Foster dealt with a shoulder injury. He had surgery in February to repair the torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He also sustained multiple concussions in college.
While surely a concern, I’m not sure the injury history was the biggest red flag for the Lions. Foster carried a lot of baggage with him headed into the NFL Draft, and general manager Bob Quinn has often said he doesn’t want to bring in low character guys (despite vouching for Joe Mixon).
Speaking on a conference call, the Detroit News reports, Quinn had this to say about drafting prospects:
"“(Character) is a big part of it,” Quinn said about his draft strategy. “None of them are perfect, so I felt like you kind of minimize risk when you take guys without some issues. I feel real comfortable with the guy we took.”"
Foster has kept his name in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. He was sent home early from the NFL Combine for getting into an altercation with a medical worker. He then recently had a diluted sample on his drug test. There were also concerns about the company he keeps.
Davis, on the other hand, is the polar opposite. He’s been billed as a great leader and teammate, and his work ethic is undeniable. He has already said that he is willing to “sacrifice everything for the benefit of the team.”
Injuries, however, are also a concern for Davis. He had an ankle injury that caused him to miss several games in college.
Initially, I was in the Foster camp as well. But the more I think about it, the more I now prefer the high-character player, who is a supreme athlete and can play either the Mike spot or the Will position.
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