Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster will be among the players paying a pre-draft visit to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.
Among the expected pre-draft visitors today with #49ers, per league source: LB Reuben Foster. Keep in mind they're moving to a 4-3 front.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 17, 2017
The 49ers currently own the second overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, which kicks off on April 27.
Foster was a popular choice as the 49ers' selection within numerous mock drafts. Of course, that was before an incident with a student hospital worker resulted in the prospect being sent home from the NFL Scouting Combine early. He is still expected to be a high selection and likely the top linebacker in the draft.
Following the incident, Foster wrote an apology letter to all 32 NFL teams.
Letter Alabama LB Reuben Foster sent to NFL teams, offering up another meeting with him: pic.twitter.com/pjzzzrOAhe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2017
As a senior at Alabama in 2016, Foster finished with 115 tackles, 13 for losses, and five sacks. He was awarded the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's best linebacker. The 6-foot, 229-pound Foster, who will turn 23 in April, has 211 tackles, 23 of which were for a loss, seven sacks, and nine passes defended in three years with Alabama.
Foster was not scheduled to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine. In February, the Alabama linebacker underwent surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff. The injury will prevent Foster from working out for NFL teams prior to the NFL Draft.
Last season, the 49ers defense was last in the league in rushing yards allowed. The 2,654 yards allowed on the ground set a 49ers franchise record. The defense was also an NFL-worst in total yards allowed and points allowed.
