The 49ers didn’t want day 1 to go by without a second choice in the first round. They struck a deal with Seattle to move to the 31st overall selection.…

Watching the draft board unfold, the 49ers gave up their 34th selection overall, as well as their 4th rounder to move up. As Reuben Foster continued to drop on the board, his talent began to outwiegh the risk of his durability issues. He gives the 49ers some real hope to fill help solidify the inside linebacker position that has been a roller coaster of a ride with injuries and retirements around Willis, Borland, and Bowman.

At the end of the first round Foster is a huge steal. He was projected to go as high as number 3 overall, and certainly in the top ten. He had a couple issues with the combine - the first was a yelling match with someone over his shoulder injury that was in recover, and secondly he tested with a diluted urine sample. He will begin his career on the NFL substances abuse program, but is absolutely adamant that he was over-hydrating due to his tight practice schedule, and recovering from an illness.

Foster is a amazing value this late in the draft. He fills an immediate need issue for the Niners, and his off-field issues are likely very minor. This selection may be even better than Thomas at number three.