Even though Foster's blend of acceleration and toughness as a runner made him one of the best running backs in the country (second-team All-Pac-12), he decided his future interests were best served using his excellent receiving skills in the slot for his senior season. The all-purpose threat was the only Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player with 1,500 career rushing and receiving yards coming into his senior year, and was used in both roles again in 2015 (280 rushing yards; 59-584 receiving, three scores). Although he didn't make a ton of big plays in his new role, NFL teams might still consider him a valued prospect.
Has lateral agility as a runner to skip from gap to gap. Foot quickness and easy hips favor him. Can elude early signs of trouble as ballcarrier or would-be tacklers after the catch. Hits the hole at his maximum speed. Natural stop-start quickness allows him to slam on the brakes and open to the throw faster than most wideouts. Adjusts well to poor throws.
Weaknesses
Bullied by press coverage. Doesn't have experience or plays strength to get off the line cleanly when defenders jam him up. Experiment at wide receiver ended with unanswered questions. Unable to create space through routes. Contested catches are trouble. Had eight drops this season. Appears to need movement pre-snap for clean release.
Draft Projection
Rounds 5 or 6
Bottom Line
The team that adds Foster will need to have a specific plan for him as he is more of a manufactured touch player rather than running back or wide receiver. While he can give teams a few carries here and there, his primary value as a pro will likely come as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but he might need to prove that he can become a special teams player along the way.
