Arian Foster
RB Tennessee
- 6'1" Height
- 215LBS. Weight
Overview
A legitimate big back blessed with deceptive speed, Foster developed into one of the SEC's most dominant backs as a junior, finishing with 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing while adding 39 catches for 340 yards and two scores. But like the rest of his UT teammates, his statistics dropped precipitously in 2008 (131-570-1 rush, 19-166 receiving) because he received about half as many touches and the team's overall inconsistent offensive play.
Foster had a strong start to his career, stepping in for an injured Gerald Riggs Jr. as a redshirt freshman to lead the Vols with 879 rushing yards. Foster might potentially warrant the second-round grade he was given in 2007 by the NFL Advisory Committee, but must show more consistency and better ball security to be a success in the NFL.
Analysis
Strengths
Strengths: Good size with the frame for additional muscle mass. Good initial quickness off the snap. Accelerates to and through the hole and reaches maximum speed quickly. Good lateral mobility to evade defenders in space. Slippery runner who twists and slides as he is being tackled, generating positive yards after initial contact. Good forward lean, showing the leg drive as a short-yardage runner. At least an adequate receiver. Can extend and catch the ball outside of his frame. Willing pass blocker.
Weaknesses: Viewed by some as more of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type. Lacks the explosiveness to consistently make defenders miss in tight quarters and is not the power runner his size would indicate. Inconsistent. Struggled in 2006; missing time due to an ankle injury and suspension for an off-campus fight. Missed the 2008 spring due to minor knee surgery. Has had issues with fumbles during his career.
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| Grade |
Title |
Draft (Round) |
Description |
| 96-100 |
Future Hall of Famer |
Top Pick |
A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 |
Immediate Starter |
1st |
An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 |
Eventual Starter |
2nd-3rd |
A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 |
Draftable Player |
4th-7th |
A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 |
Free Agent |
UDFA |
A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |