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Grading the Redskins inside linebackers on the 2017 performance

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Zach Vigil #56 of the Washington Redskins forces Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys out of bounds short of the goal in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Zach Vigil #56 of the Washington Redskins forces Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys out of bounds short of the goal in the fourth quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Mason Foster #54 and Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Mason Foster #54 and Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Mason Foster

Since signing with the Redskins as a free agent in 2015, Mason Foster has been a big part of the Redskins defense. This year, Foster’s play wasn’t quite as strong, but there was a reason behind it.

For most of the season, Foster was playing through a torn labrum. That shoulder injury limited his productivity, as his tackling ability wasn’t as strong as it was in the past. However, the injury was no fault of his own, so that won’t have a major impact on his grade.

Foster is the ideal partner to play alongside Zach Brown. Like Brown, Foster is a downhill, run stopper who likes to defend against the run. Foster can hold up in coverage, but this year, he was more limited in what he could do because he was basically playing with one arm. Still, he managed to make a key interception this season and when he’s able to be fully healthy, he should have a strong impact on the team.

The injuries are the only reason to downgrade Foster’s performance this season. For the second straight year, Foster has been a nice starting linebacker for the team. He’s going to be a free agent in the offseason, but the team has to look into re-signing him long term. He’s really a strong inside linebacker and fits very well in their 3-4 alignment.

Foster’s 2017 Grade: B

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