Meet the Prospects: Alabama's Foster features as consensus best LB

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Defensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties

Linebackers

Reuben Foster, Alabama

Age: 22 Height: 6'1" Weight: 228 lbs.

2016 stats: 115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 pass deflections

Foster is the consensus best linebacker in this year's class and projects to be an impact starter immediately. Boasting outstanding sideline-to-sideline speed, Foster excels against the run and is an excellent tackler in the open field, while sporting the ability to deliver punishing hits. Foster also excels in coverage, attaching himself to running backs coming out of the backfield, and can shut down tight ends with equal proficiency. The former Alabama star underwent shoulder surgery and won't perform at the Combine, but he will likely be the first linebacker off the board.

Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

Age: 22 Height: 6'4" Weight: 230 lbs.

2016 stats: 125 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries

Cunningham is versatile enough to play either inside or outside linebacker at the professional level and explodes off the snap to the ball carrier. An outstanding tackler in the open field, Cunningham's closing speed is an asset and he's adept at shedding blockers to record tackles. Cunningham possesses the speed, athleticism, and pre-snap recognition to be a day-one starter.

Jarrad Davis, Florida

Age: 21 Height: 6'2" Weight: 238 lbs.

2016 stats: 60 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 pass deflections

Davis is known for his acceleration and closing speed, and should translate into a versatile defender in the NFL. Although Davis is undersized for a traditional inside linebacker, he's played well outside, and is astute at shooting through gaps to bring down ball carriers. However, Davis will not participate in the Combine due to an ankle injury that ended his 2016 season.

Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

Age: 20 Height: 6'2" Weight: 243 lbs.

2016 stats: 102 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 pass deflections

A prodigious high school recruit, McMillan lived up to lofty expectations and may become the next great NFL linebacker out of Ohio State. McMillan is very good at diagnosing the play before the snap, using his intelligence to his advantage and does a good job of wrapping up the opponent. Although he needs to improve in coverage, McMillan is well suited for the professional ranks and sports ideal size for an NFL linebacker.

Ben Boulware, Clemson

Age: 22 Height: 6'0" Weight: 235 lbs.

2016 stats: 116 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 pass deflections

Boulware captured the Jack Lambert Trophy as the nation's best linebacker and was the Defensive MVP of the national championship game, sporting a winning pedigree that'll surely be attractive to numerous teams. The two-year starter is very good in coverage and can be deployed against tight ends with relative ease. Although he's undersized for an NFL linebacker, Boulware's relentless pursuit of the ball carrier and leadership skills will make him an asset, especially on special teams.

Kendell Beckwith, LSU

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 247 lbs.

2016 stats: 91 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 4 pass deflections

Beckwith tore his ACL in a Nov. 19 game against Florida and it's unlikely he'll participate during the Combine. A three-year starter at LSU, Beckwith can play every down and is very good at wrapping up ball carriers in the open field. Beckwith lacks elite athleticism but plays with strong technique and will carve a role for himself in the professional ranks.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)