49ers Training Camp position-by-position breakdown

Linebackers Breakdown

Linebackers, and inside linebackers, in particular, were the position group perhaps most devastated by this offseason. Patrick Willis‘ retirement, while a shock, was somewhat understandable, as he had been dealing with more and more injuries over the past couple of seasons and had played 8 Hall of Fame caliber years in the NFL. More shocking, however, was the retirement of his surprisingly incredible replacement, Chris Borland, after just one season in the NFL out of Wisconsin. Borland, a tackling machine, famously decided to walk away from the game as he feared the long-term risk of injuries, particularly concussions.

While these two walked away, NaVorro Bowman returns after his gruesome injury against the Seahawks in the 2013-14 NFC Championship game. Bowman should be completely healthy after the 49ers were very cautious with him in 2015 (largely due to a poor season). Madden is already confident in Bowman, as he ranks second amongst inside linebackers in overall rating at 93 (only Luke Keuchly is rated more highly, at 96). With a good season, Bowman could overcome Keuchly. Though on-field results are much more important than Madden ratings.

Bowman will most likely be joined by Michael Wilhoite on the inside, though Nick Moody will get his fair share of carries and Shayne Skov, a Stanford product, is out to prove that he belongs in the rotation as well. Moody could even beat out Wilhoite, though this is doubtful. Phillip Wheeler and Demond Bishop will be fighting over a roster spot. Both could make the final roster and both could miss it, but more than likely one will make it and the other will be on the practice squad. I’ll give the early edge to Wheeler.

On the outside are two fantastic pass rushers in Aldon Smith, who isn’t suspended this year for a change, and also maligned Aaron Lynch, who showed his college strength coach that he was an idiot after having an amazing first season in the NFL.

Lynch, as good as he is, will likely be more of a pass-rush specialist with the talented Ahmad Brooks also on the outside. Rookie Eli Harold and Corey Lemonier will also be battling for roster spots and playing time throughout the season, though neither is expected to contribute much with the depth in front of them.

Outisde linebacker is easily the 49ers most stacked position heading into 2015.

Next: Cornerback Breakdown