Washington linebacker Mason Foster may not have a first round grade, but he’s been slowly rising in the rankings with solid performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Foster has been steady and consistent during his time with the Huskies, reaping the benefits as the moves from under-the-radar to quick riser in many 2011 NFL mock drafts. It’s his consistency that has Foster moving into the second round, perhaps on the doorstep of the first round in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Walter Football’s Greg Cox had Foster higher than expected in his latest mock draft, projecting the Washington linebacker would come off the board early in the second round. Cox projects Foster will be taken by the Houston Texans with the 42nd overall pick, the eighth pick in the second round. The reason, he says, is a scheme change, and the need for a player with Foster’s skill set.
The Texans are going to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Philips. Brian Cushing is moving to inside linebacker, forming a dynamic duo with DeMeco Ryans.
This is fine, but who is going to play outside? They need to get their hands on an option early in the draft, especially since 2009 pick Connor Barwin is being counted on to man one spot
Foster would find himself thrust into action immediately in Houston, with the ability to garner playing time right away. The need may just push Foster into the early second round, despite many seeing him as a mid-round pick. With solid workouts and another chance to impress at Washington’s Pro Day, Foster could see his stock continue to soar ahead of the draft.
For now, though, Washington fans should be pleased to see Foster firmly in the second round of one mock draft. For all he’s given the Huskies, he deserves to reap the benefits when the draft rolls around. He may just be a solid contributor in the NFL for years to come.
For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.