I think this post gets to the truth of the matter more than any other. Reuben Foster is the best LB prospect in this draft. Period.
But here's the deal, he brings with him some stuff off the field that makes you uncomfortable. If the NFL isn't able to corroborate his story for the diluted sample, then the Auburn tattoo won't even be in the top 5 stupidest things he's done if he continues down this road. Fact is, Foster has many of the same red flags Rolando McClain had in terms of the company he keeps and surrounds himself with. McClain was just never able to distance himself from the negative influences. Keep in mind I was on the opposing sidelines many times and watched the police take the ankle bracelet off McClain's ankle on Friday nights before games. That said, Foster does have better football character than McClain had.
Furthermore, coach Saban is going to speak well of Foster because he's just being honest. He's never had a moment's trouble out of Reuben, and knows where he comes from and the baggage he carries. Kids like McClain and Foster had off field issues since they were teenagers. Yet you never hear a peep out of em when they get to Tuscaloosa under Saban. They become team leaders and model teammates. As soon as they're not under his guidance anymore, it seems they tend to lose their way again. There's a reason for this.
The point is this, just because Saban can reach these guys and never have a minute's trouble out of em doesn't mean their next coach in the NFL who can "coach grown men" won't. That applies to every single prospect in the draft. Many of these kids have a lot of off field issues in their past. Many much worse than anything Foster has (Dalvin Cook for example)
Saban nailed it about Foster when he said that if you're looking for a nice guy, Foster probably isn't for you. But if you want a real nasty, intimidating SOB to bust ball carriers asses and lead your defense....well you might like #10.
It's up to NFL personnel people to do the job they're paid to do here and research to make the right decision. What Saban says is irrelevant. He got what he needed out of Reuben Foster. Now it's somebody else's responsibility to do the same.