Report: Colts Could Be ‘Parachute Pick’ for Reuben Foster in First Round

According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, the Indianapolis Colts could be the ‘parachute pick’ for Alabama inside linebacker Reuben Foster with the 15th overall selection on Thursday night.

The immensely talented inside linebacker could potentially slide out of the Top 10 because of character concerns; however, the Colts could take a chance on his talent and potential–hoping that he’s indeed matured:

"Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports“On Foster: One person I spoke to said the Indianapolis Colts could end up being the parachute pick for Foster at No. 15 overall, given how they’re trying to overhaul the defensive side of the ball,” writes McShay. “If he doesn’t go there, the Redskins two picks later could be in play.”"

The 6’0″, 229 pound inside linebacker is fresh off a standout senior season for the Crimson Tide in which he recorded 115 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and 2 passes defensed in 15 games–earning unanimous 1st-Team All-American and All-SEC selection honors respectively.

There’s no questioning Foster’s talent as he’s universally regarded as the top inside linebacker prospect in this year’s draft class. He possesses the type of sideline-to-sideline ability against both the run and pass to eventually become one of the most complete inside linebackers in all of football:

However, following being dismissed from the NFL combine because of an altercation with a hospital staff member, coming off of offseason rotator cuff surgery, and having reportedly failed a drug test as well at the NFL Combine (not to mention, poor interviews), Foster could potentially fall out of the early portion of this year’s NFL Draft.

That being said, new Colts general manager Chris Ballard has already emphasized that he will not completely rule out a prospect because of pre-conceived ‘character concerns’ until both he and his scouting staff perform their due diligence regarding both background checks and mental make-up evaluations on a case-by-case basis.

There’s no question either that the Colts could clearly use an upgrade at inside linebacker too.

While the team signed a pair of veterans, Sean Spence and Jon Bostic, earlier this offseason, neither player is a shoo-in for a starting job–although both players will likely push what should be a healthy competition at the position.

Otherwise, the Colts have two young inside linebackers, Antonio Morrison and Edwin Jackson, but each player remains unproven–and if last year was any clear indication, also unpolished.

Simply put, the Colts have struggled replacing Jerrell Freeman from an offseason ago and released longtime veteran D’Qwell Jackson to begin the offseason.

In particular, the Colts haven’t been able to find effective inside linebackers, who can hold their own in coverage and play in space–having loaded up on purely ‘downhill’ tacklers against the run.

From that standpoint, Foster would immediately improve the Colts defense given that he’s one of the most complete inside linebacker prospects to enter the NFL Draft in recent memory–drawing comparisons to former San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Patrick Willis (via NFL Films Guru Greg Cosell):

"“Some believe the importance of a stacked linebacker in today’s NFL game has been lessened, but Foster is a true three-down player who can play and excel in all defensive packages and be a factor against the run and pass,” writes Cosell. “He’s simply one of the best players in this draft class and should make an immediate impact.”"

Foster would be a head-and-shoulders upgrade to any inside linebacker currently on the Colts roster and a potential cornerstone in the middle of their defense for the next decade–assuming he can keep his nose clean off-the-field.