The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Reviewing the Buccaneers’ 2011 Draft Class

By Alan Schechter

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) carries the ball as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Mason Foster (54) and strong safety DeAngelo Hall (23) defend during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) carries the ball as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Mason Foster (54) and strong safety DeAngelo Hall (23) defend during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Round Three: Mason Foster

Mason Foster joined the Bucs after being selected in the third round.  Foster actually posted three solid seasons in Pewter.  His first three years yielded 84, 105, and 92 tackles respectively, starting from the middle linebacker position.  He posted two sacks each of the three seasons, and three interceptions in 2013, returning two of them for touchdowns.

However, the arrival of Lovie Smith meant the end of Mason with the Bucs.  His “Tampa 2” defense didn’t fit with Foster’s skillset, combine that with some injury issues, and you will find a reduction in performance, and his departure after the 2014 season.  He moved on to Washington last season after an off-season stop in Chicago.  For Washington he served in a backup role, starting only five games, posting 34 tackles.

Grade: B

Next: Round Four

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