Height/Weight: 6-1/241
| Birthdate: 3/1/1989
| Birthplace: Seaside, CA, USA
| Team: Tampa Bay
| College: Washington
| NFL Experience: 3
| Owned/Started%: 60/36 | Average Draft Position: 171.28
News: Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster, who has taken a back seat to rookie Lavonte David for much of this year, led the team with 12 tackles, including 11 solo, Week 17 at Atlanta. He had averaged 5.0 tackles in his previous 10 games.
Analysis: With the strong performance to end the season, Foster finishes 2012 with 105 tackles, which is enough to make him a second-tier linebacker in Fantasy IDP leagues. He doesn't quite compare to David as far as tackles go, but he'll be worth drafting in the majority of those formats in 2013.
News: Bucs linebacker Mason Foster totaled six tackles (three solo) Week 15 at New Orleans. He now has a career-high 89 tackles in 14 games.
Analysis: Foster's numbers have been pretty much on par with his rookie campaign in 2011, but obviously he will finish with more tackles in 2012. He is a viable mid-level Fantasy start in IDP formats.
News: Bucs linebacker Mason Foster had three tackles in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Eagles.
Analysis: Foster now has 82 tackles on the season, along with two sacks. His career-highs, posted last year, are 84 tackles and two sacks, so he's close to at least setting a new mark in tackles. A decent option on the defensive side of things, Foster can be used in deeper IDP formats.
News: Tampa Bay linebacker Mason Foster recorded six tackles during the Week 12 loss against Atlanta Sunday. Foster had four solo stops in the game. He now has 74 tackles on the season for the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Foster should get to 100 tackles before the season is over and is having a solid season for the Bucs. The linebacker out of Washington has two sacks and an interception on the year to go with his tackles. He'd be a beast in IDP leagues if he tackled a little more consistently but can be used in plenty of deeper formats.
News: Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster had five tackles in Sunday's 27-21 win over the Panthers.
Analysis: Foster has 68 tackles and two sacks on the season, which have him on pace for career highs in both. The Bucs face the Falcons in Week 12 and Foster, a mid-level value in IDP formats, can be started in most leagues.
News: Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster was all over the field in Week 8 against the Vikings. Mason finished five tackles -- three solo -- in the 36-17 win, and registered with his first sack of the year. He also recovered a fumble and was credited with a tackle for loss and QB hit in the victory.
Analysis: Foster only had five tackles Thursday night but was able to contribute in other areas as he finally picked up his first sack of the year. He also recorded his first fumble recovery, which was his first turnover since picking off a pass in Week 2. While Fantasy owners would like to see his tackling totals a bit higher, Mason has been productive enough to leave active in most IDP formats. Contginue to view the 23-year-old as a viable option in most IDP formats heading into Week 9.
News: Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster was relatively quiet in Week 7 against the Saints. Foster finished with five tackles in the 35-28 defeat, matching his season low from back in Week 1. Four of his five stops were solo stops and he was also credited with a tackle for loss.
Analysis: Foster was held in check for most of the day as his five tackle output was his lowest since Week 1. However, the 23-year-old is still way ahead of his pace from last season and looks to have a real chance to break 100 tackles on the year if he can maintain his current pace.
News: Bucs linebacker Mason Foster recorded seven tackles in Sunday's 38-10 win over the Chiefs. He now has 43 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Over Tampa Bay's first five games, Foster has twice recorded double-digit tackles. He also has an interception and is well on his way to toppling his 84-tackle season in 2011. He isn't quite elite, but he's becoming a top option in IDP formats. The Bucs face the Saints in Week 7.
News: Bucs linebacker Mason Foster finished with a team-high 13 tackles (12 solo) Week 2 against the Giants. He had two tackles for loss and the second interception of his career.
Analysis: Foster had an outstanding performance Week 2 and he seems to be only getting better in his second NFL season. Foster could be looking at a breakout season in 2012, so if you can still grab him off waivers in Fantasy IDP formats, then consider doing so.
News: Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster was all around the ball during Week 1 against the Panthers. Foster finished with five tackles in the 16-10 win -- all solo -- and three of those went for a loss. Lavonte David led the way with six tackles in the victory.
Analysis: Mason has a knack for always being around the ball and is one of Tampa Bay's more intriguing young defenders. The 23-year-old should be able to flirt with the 100-tackle plateau if he is able to stay healthy, which would make most Fantasy owners happy. Continue to roll with Mason as a viable option in most formats heading into Week 2 against the Giants.
News: Speculation from the Tampa Bay Times is that the Buccaneers will move linebacker Mason Foster outside in 2012. Foster manned the middle in 2011, totaling 84 tackles with a forced fumble, two sacks, two passes defensed and an interception. "I can't speak to that yet until we first of all address free agency and the draft and look at our overall package," new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan said recently. "But I will say this, to give you a roundabout answer: He's a linebacker. And, to me, if you're a good linebacker, you should be able to play (strong-side) or (middle) or (weak-side). You're off the ball in a two-point stance, you have very similar key progressions and very similar coverage responsibilities. I'm not caught up on pigeonholing guys into positions. You're a linebacker. And he definitely has NFL talent."
Analysis: Foster had an up-and-down year for the Bucs and struggled in pass coverage. The move to outside linebacker could help Foster as he played it a lot in college. He's known as a solid run-stopper, so he could still rack up some tackles, but he might be more of a reserve linebacker and not a No. 3 option if he moves outside.
News: Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster notched five tackles and an interception during the Buccaneers' 41-14 loss at Jacksonville in Week 14. Foster registered his first interception of the season when he picked off Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert, one of two recorded by Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Foster has posted five tackles in three consecutive games and increased his total to 63 stops for the season. The rookie has proven to be a solid tackler and has overcome some injury issues earlier this year. Consider him a rising DB option in deeper Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Buccaneers LB Mason Foster, who re-injured his ankle against the Bears in Week 7, is active for Week 9 at New Orleans. He was listed as probable leading up to the game.
Analysis: Foster has been dealing with this injury for several weeks now and hasn't been as productive as he was the first three weeks of the season, when he recorded 22 tackles. He's just a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster (ankle) said Tuesday that he feels great coming off the bye week, reports the team's official website. Foster said he is ready to play Week 9 at New Orleans.
Analysis: Foster has recorded 32 tackles in seven games this season with two sacks and a forced fumble. He needs to improve on the tackling before he's considered an elite Fantasy IDP option. Heading into Week 9 against the Saints, Foster is just a low-end IDP start.
News: Buccaneers LB Mason Foster (ankle) was activated for Week 7 against Chicago in London. Foster has been affected by the issue for the past two weeks. However, he re-injured the ankle late in the first half and had to leave the game. Adam Hayward replaced him.
Analysis: Foster entered the game with 32 tackles and a forced fumble this season; consider him a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats until he can prove otherwise. We'll continue to update you on his health status.
News: Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster is probable for Week 7 against Chicago in London because of an ankle injury. Foster has been affected by the issue for the past two weeks and was listed as questionable for last Sunday's game against Detroit.
Analysis: Foster's status seems a bit more promising for Sunday as he was a full participant in practice on Friday. With the Buccaneers traveling overseas for the game, Foster is likely to play. He has 32 tackles and a forced fumble this season; consider him a low-end option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Tamp Bay LB Mason Foster left Week 6 against the Saints due to an ankle injury. Foster sustained the injury sometime during the second half and finished with three tackles prior to leaving the contest.
Analysis: Foster continues to be plagued by injury problems and now his status for Week 7 is most likely in doubt with the team flying out to London on Monday. Continue to monitor his status moving forward. Foster can be considered a low-end Fantasy LB in most IDP formats, when healthy.
News: Buccaneers LB Mason Foster has been ruled active for Week 6 against the Saints. Foster was limited in practice earlier in the week with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Foster has done a quality job in his first NFL season and racked up 29 total tackles and a forced fumble through five games. He might not play Sunday, but should be reserved in deeper Fantasy IDP formats as a low-end option following his encouraging start.
News: Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster is slated as questionable on the team's injury report with a troublesome ankle injury. Foster, who was selected in the third round of the previous NFL Draft, returned to practice Friday after missing the past two days with the injury.
Analysis: Foster has done a quality job in his first NFL season and racked up 29 total tackles and a forced fumble through five games. He might not play Sunday, but should be reserved in deeper Fantasy IDP formats as a low-end option following his encouraging start.
News: Tampa Bay LB Mason Foster recorded four tackles in the Week 4 Monday night win over the Colts. Foster recorded three solo tackles and finished fourth on the team in stops for the game.
Analysis: Foster has recorded two sacks this season for the Buccaneers, but failed to pick one up in the Week 4 Monday night contest. Foster has totaled 26 tackles this season after four games. That really ins't enough for him to be considered anything but a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Buccaneers LB Mason Foster had another productive game in Week 3 against the Falcons. He recorded five tackles and also had a sack in the 16-13 win. It was Foster's second sack of the year.
Analysis: Foster has totaled 22 tackles with two sacks through his first three games in the NFL and looks well on his way to a productive campaign. Continue to view the rookie as a low-end Fantasy LB in IDP formats going forward.
News: Bucs rookie LB Mason Foster, a third-round pick, led the team in tackles Week 2 against the Vikings. He was able to get behind the line to record a tackle for a loss on the afternoon. Foster ended up with 10 total tackles on the day to go along with a sack and a forced fumble on Adrian Peterson.
Analysis: Foster was a standout at the University of Washington and he has carried over the pedigree to the NFL. He continues to start in the middle on the young defense, and Fantasy owners should take notice. Foster is quickly becoming a viable LB option in most leagues.
News: Bucs rookie LB Mason Foster, a third-round pick, continues to be more involved in the defense. He is running with the first team defense more as camp progresses, and he seems in line to have a solid chance at starting once the season opens. "He's doing well. It's hard to say the job is his, and you've got to go through the bullets," Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris told the St. Petersburg Times. "You've got to go through the games. You've got to go out there and prove yourself. But you want to give him an opportunity to win it. He is getting some reps with the first group. It's fun."
Analysis: Foster was a tackling machine at the University of Washington, and he has the ability to play as both an inside LB and outside. It seems as f he will be the man in the middle when it's all said and done, which would make Foster an intriguing Fantasy play on a rising team and defense. Consider him to be worth a late-round flier in all IDP leagues if he can hold onto the starting gig.
News: Draft picks Mason Foster and Daniel Hardy agreed to four-year contracts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, kicking off what figures to be a frenzied week of player transactions that could make one of the NFL’s least experienced rosters even more youthful. “I have high expectations for Mason Foster and what he’ll be for this football team,” GM Mark Dominik said of the rookie, a three-year starter who played both outside and middle while in college at Washington.
Analysis: Foster should be an asset for the Bucs in good time, potentially as an inside linebacker in place of Barrett Ruud, who might not return to Tampa Bay. That opens the door for him to pick up Ruud's production, which could include over 100 total tackles. If he keeps on the path toward that starting role this summer, Fantasy owners could benefit by taking Foster with a late-round pick in seasonal leagues, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early- to middle-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
News: The Buccaneers selected Washington linebacker Mason Foster in the third round of the NFL draft. Foster led Washington as a senior with 163 tackles, including 6.5 sacks, and made the All Conference team. He was also a four-year starter.
Analysis: Foster should be an asset for the Bucs in good time, potentially as an inside linebacker in place of Barrett Ruud. That opens the door for him to pick up Ruud's production, which could include over 100 total tackles. If he keeps on the path toward that starting role this summer, Fantasy owners could benefit by taking Foster with a late-round pick in seasonal leagues, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early- to middle-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
