With being more than halfway through the College Football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Javon Foster.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Javon Foster (OT – Missouri)
6-foot-5 | 319 pounds
Background:
Redshirted in 2018, then appeared in two games the following year before starting two of nine games at right tackle in 2020 (188 snaps). Has been serving as the Tigers’ left tackle ever since, including all thirteen games of both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, during which he allowed six sacks (two in 2021, four in 2022). Reprised that role in 2023.
Positives:
On pace to finish his collegiate career with three strong seasons as a starting left tackle in the SEC. Thickly built for the position, with what looks like adequate height. Really brings it on a snap-to-snap basis, with desirable energy and physicality. Fires out of his stance with impressive explosiveness and leg churn to overwhelm opponents on contract as a drive blocker; looks like a bull in a china shop at times. Has a lot of power in his hands to knock defenders off-balance.
Does an excellent job of collapsing the edge as a down-blocker. Very good straight-line athlete who works hard to get out in space and lead the way in the run game and on screens. Easy climber to the second level. Has enough athleticism to develop into an effective edge protector with a commitment to fundamentals. Raw anchor strength is above-average to good. Works hard to stay with his man in pass pro, and the team left him on islands.
Negatives:
Ended up spending six years in college, so he’s older than your typical prospect. Technique isn’t what you’d expect for a sixth-year player. Would like to see him play under more control in the run game; can lunge out with his head down, causing balance issues. Flexibility in his lower body looks closer to average, and can play high, especially on passing downs. Consistency in his kick slide can be lacking at times on passing downs; too many snaps in which he’s winning ugly. Doesn’t always have a base under him and regularly abandons his form. Hand placement could be more consistently inside.
Summary:
A strange evaluation in that he’s a sixth-year player who almost seems like a talented redshirt sophomore. Has an excellent combination of explosive power and movement skills in space but is often playing with serious technical flaws that lead to issues with balance and positioning, especially as a pass protector. Managed to make it work in the SEC, but asking him to step right in at the pro level without significantly cleaning up his fundamentals would be playing with fire. Developmental option with starting-level talent.
Projection: Round 4-5
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