Arian Foster’s career in Knoxville was somewhat marred by injury, untimely fumbles, changes at offensive coordinator and too much inconsistency. After winning over fans by replacing an injured Gerald Riggs Jr. in 2005, Foster took a step back in 2006 due to injury and poor offensive line play. Then, in 2007, he showed just how great he could be, playing full-time and rushing for 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching 39 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns.
Foster’s ability to pass-block made him the complete running back and the ideal guy for David Cutcliffe’s system. But the arrival of Dave Clawson the next year was disastrous. The system change was too much to pick up, and Clawson’s style didn’t value a player like Foster anyway.
As a result, Foster’s draft stock tanked, and then he got hurt in one of the postseason all-star games. So he didn’t get drafted. But he signed with the Houston Texans and showed promise in 2009. Then 2010 came, and he burst onto the scene while leading the league in rushing with 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Three more seasons going over 1,200 yards would follow, and Foster would become a four-time Pro Bowler. It’s safe to say he was a major steal. He retired prematurely in 2016, but his eight-year run proved him to be one of the biggest steals in NFL history.