[edited title] Robert Foster, UDFA - Roster shot?

[buffaloaggie]

The biggest knock on Foster was he didn't take care of the ball after catch. He had 35 career receptions and fumbled 3 of them, losing 2. He could be a return man, but will likely just be a decoy to stretch the field so the Bills can throw underneath him. Assuming he makes the team.

[Doc]

5 minutes ago, billsredneck1 said:

i haven't looked at his stats yet. how big is he? hope he's over 5'9.

 

He's a shade over 5'9".

[NoSaint]

On 5/1/2018 at 1:14 AM, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

He could play. 

SF signed him to a 3 year contract last spring, then cut him before the season.  Why?

Jets signed him.  He was suspended 4 games for PED and cut.

 

When he did play, wasn't he always on again off again?  Some weeks he looked great, others he couldn't hang onto anything?

 

 

 

The problem is that may actually qualify as a starter on our WR depth chart. 

[Doc]

1 hour ago, napmaster said:

Didn't see this in the thread yet, so I'll add to the hype:

 

Why some teams didn't want Foster at the Combine:

https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2018/02/why_some_nfl_teams_didnt_want.html

 

One of Foster's nicknames at Alabama: "The Road Runner."

On a team full of fast players, Foster was arguably the fastest.

 

Well, Foster did get an invite to the Combine, and no one drafted him.  If they get anything from him, it's gravy.

[Victory Formation]

All we need is one of them to step up, Kelvin Benjamin is an OK #1, not bad, not good but solid.

 

We need Zay, Kerley, Proehl, Ray Ray or Foster to be good and we are respectable, just takes one of them.

 

I got my money on Zay, Kerley or Foster.

[BuffaloBillyG]

Say what you will, but he's worked with Daboll before which gives him a head start. He should already come,in with some knowledge of how Daboll runs his offense, terminology, responsibilities. I could see him playing early in the season while the other young WRs play catch up. Hopefully he works out.

[Doc]

The key for him is if he can beat the press at the LOS. 

[stuvian]

[njbuff]

Bills fans have fell in love with UDFA WR's before, only to have it blow up in their faces.

 

I hope you folks aren't guaranteeing him a roster spot like it has been done in the past with UDFA WR's.

[Bing Bong]

Let's add context to the title there's like 5 top posts with a player's name. suggestion:"rod streater relevant?"

Edited May 12, 2018 by PetermanThrew5Picks

[PromoTheRobot]

Foster was assigned #8 by the Bills, but he wore #1 in college. Have the Bills ever assigned #1 to a player? I can't recall one. Is there a reason why?

[CA OC Bills Fan]

9 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Foster was assigned #8 by the Bills, but he wore #1 in college. Have the Bills ever assigned #1 to a player? I can't recall one. Is there a reason why?

When you asked, I couldn't remember any. Found this website to check however (I don't remember any of the three mentioned for jersey #1): http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2016/06/all-time_best_buffalo_bills_by_jersey_number_part_1_1-33.html

 

"1. Mike Hollis

Only three Bills have worn the No. 1--all kickers--so there's not too much to choose from. Mike Hollis only played the 2002 season in Buffalo, but he connected on 25-33 field goals and all 40 extra points. The others who donned the No. 1 jersey, Efren Herrera (8 of 14) and Benny Ricardo (1 of 4) all had far less success.

Years with team: 2002"

[Johnny Hammersticks]

Reminds me a lot of Hines Ward.  I think the Beane/Daboll combo may have snagged a hidden gem here.  

[Needle]

The video of his highlights didn't do much for me. The fact that every play was at or behind the line of scrimmage says a ton.

[Buffaloflash]

On 5/1/2018 at 5:14 AM, thenorthremembers said:

Not sure Foster makes the team.  Not a productive guy in college, and the speed stuff is a bit overblown.  Of the long shots I think Cam Phillips has a better shot, but the competition in camp should be fun to watch.

 

 

He will make the team with no problem!

On 5/1/2018 at 12:07 PM, Aussie Joe said:

Remember last year in the preseason we were all clamouring for Brandon Reilly?

 

Did he actually do anything wrong?

 

i note now that no one is even projecting him to make 53..

Great point!

Did he date one of the coaches daughters?

I remember in those preseasons games, he caught everything thrown his way!

[HurlyBurly51]

On 5/1/2018 at 12:20 AM, Golden Goat said:

I'm liking a couple of these UDFA signings better than the picks.

me too, esp WR and OT

[#34fan]

Wow.. He really does remind me of Reed.... I hope he makes the cut.

[Logic]

The thing that football fans always, always, always seem to forget about these Preseason UDFA star wide receivers is this: To make the roster as the 5th or 6th receiver, you HAVE to be able to play special teams. It's arguably more important than being able to contribute in the passing game. It's why Brandon Reilly spent last year on the practice squad rather than the active roster. He wasn't productive on special teams.

So in terms of Robert Foster, he'd better be ready to contribute on special teams. If he's not, he'd need to unseat one of Benjamin, Jones, Kerley, Holmes, or even the two drafted kids -- McCloud and Proehl. I'm not saying he can't do it. I hope he DOES do it. But he's got to contribute in two of the three facets of the game to stick.

[Rocky Landing]

On April 30, 2018 at 9:57 PM, jr1 said:

 

We all know how not-terribly-useful highlight reels are-- especially out of college. At best, they may show us what a players ceiling is. In the case of WRs, they may show you a player's ability to extend their body, or highpoint a ball. What I saw in this highlight reel was a lot of catches from throws that were right on the money, at not a particularly high velocity. I would rather see the throws he dropped-- I think that would be more enlightening.

 

Aw far as YAC, I think college reels are even less useful. I remember a lot of hay was made over Sammy Watkins ability for YAC. His highlight reel showed him knocking defenders on their ass in ways that just do not happen in the NFL. Secondary defenses are a whole other thing from college.

 

I think Foster's best chance of making the team comes from the fact that we are so dismally thin at the position. Be that as it may, I love it when UDFAs make the roster. I love the story.

 

42 minutes ago, Logic said:

The thing that football fans always, always, always seem to forget about these Preseason UDFA star wide receivers is this: To make the roster as the 5th or 6th receiver, you HAVE to be able to play special teams. It's arguably more important than being able to contribute in the passing game. It's why Brandon Reilly spent last year on the practice squad rather than the active roster. He wasn't productive on special teams.

So in terms of Robert Foster, he'd better be ready to contribute on special teams. If he's not, he'd need to unseat one of Benjamin, Jones, Kerley, Holmes, or even the two drafted kids -- McCloud and Proehl. I'm not saying he can't do it. I hope he DOES do it. But he's got to contribute in two of the three facets of the game to stick.

Great point.

 

2 hours ago, HurlyBurly51 said:

me too, esp WR and OT

A lot of people are talking up Ike Boettger, and rightfully so. He could be a real find. But, I'm also really hoping that Gerhard De Beer turns into someone special. Maybe it will take a year on the PS, but people who know him are talking up his intelligence, and work ethic. But, holy smokes! 6'7", and 320lbs, and athletic???

Edited May 13, 2018 by Rocky Landing

[3rdand12]

On 5/1/2018 at 6:20 AM, Doc Brown said:

We should have the annual Da'Rick Rogers award for undrafted free agents we're intrigued by that end up not making the team.

One of my favorite yearly competitions !

[Your Brown Eye]

Martin Nance anyone?

[Agent 91]

On 5/1/2018 at 6:51 AM, MrEpsYtown said:

I like him. I think he definitely competes for time and I do hope he is good enough to start in the slot.

I don't think we should count the chickens before they hatch. Him and Ray Ray are long shots to make the squad let alone see the field.

[Kelly the Dog]

Daboll is by far the biggest factor in this signing and why there is hope he makes the 53. For a guy that didn’t do much Daboll surely convinced Beane That Foster has the talent and Foster surely didn’t blame Daboll for his lack of field time and production as a senior at Alabama. 

 

Individually each of those things matter. The fact they both exist together with the signing is significant. He has a real chance. 

 

I think we are going to add a veteran speed WR that takes one of our spots. If we don’t, I think we go into the season with Foster on the roster, Ray Ray because he serves multiple purposes and Proehl on PS. 

[3rdand12]

7 minutes ago, Kelly the Dog said:

Daboll is by far the biggest factor in this signing and why there is hope he makes the 53. For a guy that didn’t do much Daboll surely convinced Beane That Foster has the talent and Foster surely didn’t blame Daboll for his lack of field time and production as a senior at Alabama. 

 

Individually each of those things matter. The fact they both exist together with the signing is significant. He has a real chance. 

 

I think we are going to add a veteran speed WR that takes one of our spots. If we don’t, I think we go into the season with Foster on the roster, Ray Ray because he serves multiple purposes and Proehl on PS. 

Duly noted Sir.

 

 did you have a veteran of speed in mind ?

[Kelly the Dog]

2 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

Duly noted Sir.

 

 did you have a veteran of speed in mind ?

Not really. Mike Wallace may be cut and I never loved him but he’s the kind of player they need. 

 

A lot of it it depends on what their plans are for this year. If they think AJ is their starter I don’t think anything they do matters. And the year is a wash. I think Allen starts day one. Then a speed guy is a necessity. Although, that said, you sign Dez and suddenly the defense can’t load the box and stop Shady. They HAVE to worry about Benjamin, Dez and big ass arm Allen. 

[3rdand12]

I think no matter who is starting Bills need to force a DB to cover a run fast and deep guy. And hopefully pull  a safety !
No matter who is at QB this season.

 Bills have had the box loaded for two years now. Prove defenses wrong and loosen it up. WRs need to get over coverage once in awhile and earn some respect. been missing that

[Kelly the Dog]

3 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

I think no matter who is starting Bills need to force a DB to cover a run fast and deep guy. And hopefully pull  a safety !
No matter who is at QB this season.

 Bills have had the box loaded for two years now. Prove defenses wrong and loosen it up. WRs need to get over coverage once in awhile and earn some respect. been missing that

I don’t think teams will care if AJ is our QB. I think they will spend all of their time and resources on taking Shady out and make McCarron beat them deep. I personally don’t think he can or will. 

 

The best thing the Bills can do for Shady and their run game is to start Allen day one. I hope and predict they will. Wouldn’t bet on it. But imo it’s the only thing to do to win games this year. 

[MrEpsYtown]

11 hours ago, Agent 91 said:

I don't think we should count the chickens before they hatch. Him and Ray Ray are long shots to make the squad let alone see the field.

 

I hear you but I disagree. Receiver is one of the worst positions on this team. The only locks to me are Benjamin and Jones. Holmes probably makes it for special teams. I think Kerley makes it as well. Foster, Proehl, McCloud are competing with guys like Streater, Reilly, Dupre to make the team for the last 2/3 spots. I would not exactly call that a longshot. Plus Beane used draft picks on Proehl and McCloud and the Proehl pick was a sticking point in the Josh Allen trade. I think they ultimately keep: 

 

KB

Jones

Kerley ?

Holmes ?

Proehl

Foster

McCloud

 

Typically, they keep six, but I am keeping seven To me, McCloud is a return man who can play some reciever and be the third running back as well. I think he makes the team on versatility. 

[Bfanlc]

So did he make the cut?

[Sky Diver]

On 5/1/2018 at 9:56 AM, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Kid had 35 catches for 389 yards and 3 TDs IN HIS CAREER.

 

Lets slow the hype train down a little bit, he'll be lucky to make the practice squad.

 

It’s hard to get touches at Alabama when the roster is so loaded with top talent.

[Doc]

3 hours ago, Bfanlc said:

So did he make the cut?

 

You'll need to wait until the end of August to find out.

[njbuff]

Can we wait to see how he looks in pads at the pro level and, more importantly, what the coaches think of him before we make Foster Hurns 2.0.

[Rocky Landing]

7 hours ago, Sky Diver said:

 

It’s hard to get touches at Alabama when the roster is so loaded with top talent.

Which, I guess, is another way of saying he isn't top talent?

 

[Sky Diver]

1 hour ago, Rocky Landing said:

Which, I guess, is another way of saying he isn't top talent?

 

 

Top talent among topper talent.

[njbuff]

1 hour ago, Rocky Landing said:

Which, I guess, is another way of saying he isn't top talent?

 

 

You just don't know with players. Which is why I always say take the wait and see approach.

 

Foster will get his chance

 

Allen Hurns made his mark at UDFA in 2014 on a terrible Jacksonville WR corps. So, who knows.

[Logic]

Foster clearly has the talent to contribute.

As I said earlier in this thread, it really will come down to whether or not he can be a quality contributor on special teams. If so, he can carve out a spot on the 53 man roster. If not, he'll be a practice squad candidate at best.

One thing I've learned over the years is to not get my hopes up too high for "UDFA STEAL RECEIVERS!!!!!!!". Martin Nance, Da'Rick Rogers, and Brandon Reilly all say "hello".

[Sky Diver]

Alabama didn't have a great passing game this year. He has talent. Hopefully he can refine his game.

[Punching Bag]

On 5/12/2018 at 9:38 AM, napmaster said:

Didn't see this in the thread yet, so I'll add to the hype:

 

Why some teams didn't want Foster at the Combine:

https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2018/02/why_some_nfl_teams_didnt_want.html

 

One of Foster's nicknames at Alabama: "The Road Runner."

On a team full of fast players, Foster was arguably the fastest.

 

"He's a freakish athlete," Evans said. "He can do some things that, you'll look at some of these guys at the combine and be like 'OK, they're good' but then you'll see Robert and be like 'Why isn't he like top-five?' ... A lot of people are going to be surprised by what he does."

Which is why those NFL teams probably no longer believe that they'll be able to land Foster late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.

 

So if teams did not knowledge of him in combine why did no one draft him?  Seems the writer as doing the agent's job pushing player.

On 5/1/2018 at 2:14 AM, Hapless Bills Fan said:

He could play. 

SF signed him to a 3 year contract last spring, then cut him before the season.  Why?

Jets signed him.  He was suspended 4 games for PED and cut.

 

When he did play, wasn't he always on again off again?  Some weeks he looked great, others he couldn't hang onto anything?

 

Maybe they should do an eye test on him.

Why do I get impression when Beane signed him he told Brian Daboll:

I thought "What the hell, maybe he'd be useful to you like a gerbil." Never thought you'd pick him.

[Sky Diver]

On 5/13/2018 at 2:49 PM, Logic said:

The thing that football fans always, always, always seem to forget about these Preseason UDFA star wide receivers is this: To make the roster as the 5th or 6th receiver, you HAVE to be able to play special teams. It's arguably more important than being able to contribute in the passing game. It's why Brandon Reilly spent last year on the practice squad rather than the active roster. He wasn't productive on special teams.

So in terms of Robert Foster, he'd better be ready to contribute on special teams. If he's not, he'd need to unseat one of Benjamin, Jones, Kerley, Holmes, or even the two drafted kids -- McCloud and Proehl. I'm not saying he can't do it. I hope he DOES do it. But he's got to contribute in two of the three facets of the game to stick.

 

Foster is 6'2" 194, I don't think he is competing against two undersized slot receivers. Who do we have on the outside?

[MrEpsYtown]

5 hours ago, Sky Diver said:

 

Foster is 6'2" 194, I don't think he is competing against two undersized slot receivers. Who do we have on the outside?

Agreed. I think Foster has a great chance to make this team. I really think he just has to beat out Reilly, Streater, Dupre...not quite the biggest hill to climb.