Reuben Foster

Reuben Foster’s talent was unquestioned, his run-stopping skills unparalleled by his 2017 draft peers, and his ability to lay devastating hits on opposing ball carriers widely praised. Yet even with all of the accolades Foster racked up playing for college football’s top program, Alabama, 30 picks passed before Foster was selected in this year’s draft.

If the third preseason game is the most important test for a football team preparing for the regular season, the 49ers emerged from their battle with the Vikings with a passing grade.

San Francisco 49ers’ rookie linebacker Reuben Foster reportedly suffered a mild AC joint sprain in his shoulder this week, but with an hour to go until Saturday evening’s exhibition game, it appears as though Foster will play.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Reuben Foster coming out of college, and a reason the 49ers were able to trade up and draft him with the 31st pick in the draft, was a perceived lingering issue with his right shoulder, especially after he had surgery on it in February.

“We ain’t have no pads on but I messed up on a play,” said Foster. “Coach Saban chewed me out.” When asked to elaborate on what Saban said to him, Foster put his hands up and laughed. “Just know he got my tail in line and made me focus.”

All those red flags about Foster? The incident at the combine with a medical worker? The diluted drug sample? Those are ancient history. He’s going to be on the field early in 2017, and that could be the best thing for both him and the 49ers.

The 49ers signed 31st overall pick Reuben Foster from Alabama to a four-year deal on Friday, the team announced. Solomon Thomas, the Niners’ other first round pick in 2017, remains unsigned.

All eyes were on San Francisco’s third-round pick, and although he was surrounded by a makeshift supporting cast, there was plenty to like from Beathard. He threw both some touch passes and rocketed a few lasers over the middle, connecting on one with tight end George Kittle for a sizable gain

Foster’s introductory press conference featured a two minute long story about him hanging up on the Saints last night, right before the 49ers traded back into the first round with the Seahawks. Solomon Thomas was polite and gave solid answers, but it was Foster who stole the show recalling his phone call with New Orleans, who thought they had picked him at No. 32.

NFL Films executive producer Greg Cosell joined the Murph and Mac Show on Wednesday morning and talked about a number prospects that he likes in the upcoming NFL Draft