Mason

Foster

The Ravens are looking to shake up their underperforming defense, though ex-Redskin Foster wouldn’t make much of a difference. Foster was a major liability as a 16-game starter last season.

Foster spent the past four seasons in Washington. He clashed with the coaching staff at times last year, so the timing of the release is a bigger surprise than him getting cut. Foster is coming off a solid 2018 and shouldn’t struggle for free-agent interest. Shaun Dion Hamilton and fifth-rounder Cole Holcomb are candidates to replace Foster.

Foster’s snaps were somewhat limited in the season opener, but he became a three-down monster once Quincy Black (ankle) went down in Week 2. There’s plenty of IDP upside here as Foster’s role figures to grow rapidly off last week’s performance. Black’s status for Sunday’s game against the Falcons is unknown.

Morris quickly benched Black and increased MLB Mason Foster’s role, allowing the rookie to play in the nickel and dime defenses. Foster proceeded to rack up 10 tackles (7 solo), a sack, and a forced fumble. The extent of Black’s injury is not known, but it’s a good sign that he was in the locker room after the game talking to reporters. He’s probably just day to day.

The Bucs are considering moving Foster to outside linebacker. “I loved Mason coming out,” said Sheridan. “When I was in Miami, I gave him a very high draft grade. I pushed for him in the Dolphins draft. I just thought he made a ton of tackles at Washington. I can’t speak to exactly how he looked last year. I know on the cut-ups we’ve been watching, not too good.”

“I think (Foster) had a good three days,” coach Greg Schiano said. “I’m not sure where all those linebackers will land.” Black may have briefly opened camp in the middle, but the Tampa Times believes the “most likely outcome” is Foster retaining the position for 2012.

The Bucs surrendered the No. 68 and No. 99 picks for the right to select a player many considered a first-round talent. Extremely versatile, David is smart in coverage and a dynamo against the run. He can get a bit over-aggressive, but could provide Thomas Davis-like production for a Bucs defense that was an embarrassment in all phases last season, but particularly against the run. David’s selection likely ends the dramatically unsuccessful Mason Foster experiment at middle linebacker.

Sheridan hinted that Foster could be shifted outside. Foster struggled mightily as a rookie starter last season, particularly against the run. With the Bucs low on in-house alternatives, a veteran free agent could be brought in to compete with Foster.

Curtis Lofton’s Saturday signing with the Saints took away the Bucs’ last realistic free agent alternative. Foster was overmatched as a rookie starter last season, getting destroyed against the run while struggling both in coverage and as a pass rusher. The job may now be his to lose, but he should still face camp competition in the form of a draft pick or low-level free agent.

“I’m feeling good,” said McCoy “I can’t wait for Sunday.” Rookie MLB Mason Foster (ankle) is also expected to play, leaving the Bucs’ run defense at full strength.