Rating: (0 votes - average)

Glenn Foster is beginning to like his chances.

Two preseason games into his professional career, Foster, an undrafted rookie defensive end out of Illinois, is one of the New Orleans Saints' biggest surprises.

"It feels pretty awesome," Foster said. "To be able to transition from practice to games is always good. It's something I have been working on this whole offseason. To see it pay off is really good.

"Whenever a free agent or anyone comes out (and) shows out like that, you feel confident going into the next game that you can do more. With that energy and that level, anything is possible."

Despite arriving in New Orleans with little to no fanfare, Foster leads the team with three sacks. He also leads all Saints defensive linemen with seven tackles and has three quarterback hits and two tackles for losses.

"I knew I had the talent to be drafted and be a contender here," Foster said. "I just felt like let me go out here and prove to these coaches, to the league, this organization that I am here to play.

"It's a shocker (to be leading the team in sacks). I haven't had a quarterback sack/forced fumble in college, so it came off as a surprise."

Foster began to gain notice in practices because of his ability to use his explosiveness and quick reaction to make plays in the offensive backfield.

Then he followed those workouts with a nice performance in the exhibition opener against the Kansas City Chiefs by recording a sack and three tackles. He was even better against the Raiders last week when he had four tackles, two sacks and three hits on the quarterback.

With Cam Jordan and Akiem Hicks entrenched as the starting defensive ends, Foster has played himself into the conversation for a roster spot.

It's unclear how many defensive ends the Saints will keep, but Foster has outplayed fellow defensive ends Tyrunn Walker and Tom Johnson.

"He's playing exceptionally well," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "I don't think that's made it difficult (for the coaches to making a decision). When you get a player that comes in a rookie class as an undrafted free agent and is playing like he is and well enough to make the team, that's a good deal. That's a good sign.

"We are pleased with how he is playing. He has been very consistent. He's explosive. He is a player who after the draft a handful of teams were interested in, and fortunately for us, we were able to get him to a contract."

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Foster went undrafted despite finishing his collegiate career with 23 starts, 73 tackles, 11 tackles for a losses, four sacks, one interception and three passes defensed.

But not long after April's draft ended, Foster was on the phone with Payton, who was trying to woo Foster by giving the defensive lineman the company line about the Saints' recent history with undrafted free agents.
Foster also was receiving strong interest from a handful of other teams, with the Chiefs being the biggest player.

But the story of how Saints running back Pierre Thomas, another former Illinois standout, was able to make to make the roster after going undrafted, helped seal the deal.

"He had committed to Kansas City," Payton said. "But he and I spoke probably three different times in that hour (after the draft). When we are talking to a free agent one of the things we try to talk about is our past track record and that we've had a number of players make this team that weren't necessarily drafted.

"These players coming out now are very smart about depth chart of the roster and not making a decision over $2,500 prior to taxes in a signing bonus. They are really looking close at 'where can I make the team and have a chance.' And to his credit and fortunately for us, he chose us."

Play of New Orleans Saints undrafted rookie Glenn Foster a surprise of camp: notebook | NOLA.com


New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Glenn Foster on pressuring the passer, chances of making the team: video - Video | NOLA.com

Rugby Saint II

Foster does look good but I don't want to lose Walker or Johnson. They all have potential.

homerj07

I wish him all the luck in the world.

the-commish

Both Foster and Tyrunn Walker will make the ballclub. Don't know about Tom Johnson.

Both Foster and Walker play DE in a base D, and can move inside if necessary on obvious passing downs. Their versatility will get them to the Final 53.