Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Best and Worst Players at Each Position Entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Wilson was injured on the play. The Seahawks won 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Wilson was injured on the play. The Seahawks won 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker

Best Player: Eli Harold

Worst Player: Ahmad Brooks

It’s saying something when the 49ers best edge defender is linebacker Eli Harold.

Let’s cut him some slack though and hopes he uses the last two years at the pro level to turn into something decent in 2017.

One might think pass-rushing linebacker Aaron Lynch should be the Niners’ best player here. But with just 1.5 sacks registered in an injury/suspension-plagued season, Lynch’s 2016 campaign is nothing more than a disappointment.

Speaking of disappointments, veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks comes in as the team’s worst at this position.

Yes, he was tied for the team lead in sacks last year (six). But aside from those numbers, Brooks was little more than a liability everywhere else.

He hits a contract year this season, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see San Francisco part ways to free up more cap space.