Report: Concerns about Foster's health caused draft slide, 49ers OK with risk

For much of the pre-draft process, Reuben Foster was considered a near-lock to be selected in the top half of the first round, even with concerns stemming from an incident at the combine that got the linebacker sent home from the event.

So, Foster sliding to the San Francisco 49ers at 31st overall was one of the draft's biggest shocks. However, the teams who passed on Foster reportedly did so because of significant concerns about his health.

Teams around the league believe Foster's shoulder condition could impact his rookie season, and that it "could give out on any hit," sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"The surgery didn't take," one well-placed source with knowledge of the injury told Schefter.

The 49ers' doctors, however, don't share the concerns of the other teams. San Francisco is comfortable with the condition of the rookie's shoulder, though they do understand there's a risk, added Schefter.

One of the reasons for Foster's unexpected draft slide was due to the combine incident. Because he was sent home, NFL teams reportedly weren't able to get their own medical reports on the former Alabama star until days before the draft.