SANTA CLARA – When 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh sees defensive rookie of the month Reuben Foster, he sees a work in process, not a player who won an award.
“When we drafted him I thought if he could stay healthy he’d be the Rookie of the Year, no question,” Saleh said. “The defense is built for linebackers to run and hit and get tackles. For him to gobble them up the way he has, it’s not a surprise. He’s a very talented, instinctual player.”
Foster said he’s happy with the award, but he wants more as well.
“I want it all, I’m hungry, I’m greedy,” Foster said. “Even if I would have got first quarter rookie for the defense, I would have been happy with that.”
Foster said he could get stronger and Saleh believes he needs to use his hands more to fend off offensive linemen.
“These linemen get on you faster,” Saleh said. “They’re much stronger than they were in college. So, you can’t always just dip and rip. You’ve got to use your hands, create extension and get them off you.”
Saleh, who has shifted several players to different positions throughout the season, says he’s done with his tinkering.
“If we can help it, we’ll maintain what we are on defense right now from a players standpoint. Hopefully we don’t have to shuffle in anymore,” said Saleh, who was forced to juggle the defense because of injury and the release of linebacker NaVorro Bowman, cornerback Rashard Robinson and linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong.
That means Saleh is content with keeping Foster at outside linebacker and Brock Coyle making the calls as the middle linebacker. Coyle’s presence as a play caller has helped calm the defense.
“Brock is doing a great job communicating to the defense, getting all 11 guys lined up,” he said. “There’s a calmness with him in there right now.”
Saleh might have to change a few things, particularly when rookie safety Adrian Colbert returns to free safety, which isn’t likely to be until next Sunday in Houston. In the meantime, Saleh is working Antone Exum Jr. and veteran Leon Hall at the position. Saleh also hopes to get pass rusher Aaron Lynch back this Sunday in Chicago; he’s missed four games with a calf strain. Lynch will also need to make an impression in practice with a crowded field on the defensive line if he wants to play.