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San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 Positions Needing Improvement in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers fans cheer for their team prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers fans cheer for their team prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) runs out onto the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) runs out onto the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker

Aaron Lynch is continuing to develop as a young pass-rusher and outside linebacker, filling the void of former linebacker Aldon Smith. Lynch, who played impressively despite injuries and a shaky overall defense, will need help in 2016.

The 49ers ought to part ways with outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks this offseason and, as such, will turn to a new player to provide a pass rush in the 3-4 defense.

As a team, the 49ers haven’t registered more sacks in a season than they have given up since 2009. In a passing league, an inability to effect the quarterback is a tremendous disadvantage.

The top nine teams in sacks this season all made the playoffs. Out of the 12 teams in the playoffs, all are ranked in the top 20 for sacks this season. The teams with high sack numbers all typically have a single player that is dominating on the edge on Sundays.

The 49ers will need to find that player in their defense. The improved play of Lynch, who is entering just his third season, could indicate who the 49ers choose to build their defense around.

However, if the 49ers feel that they need more of an impact player at outside linebacker, they could choose to target Von Miller in free agency. Miller is the Denver Broncos All-Pro outside linebacker but will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The Broncos can, and likely will, franchise tag Miller, making it more difficult for a team to sign him.

If Baalke isn’t interested in spending the money to target someone like Miller, he might trust the new coaching staff to develop players already in the building.

The 49ers drafted Eli Harold in last year’s draft and are in the process of converting former defensive end Tank Carradine into a stand-up edge player. The development of those two players in the offseason will likely influence the choices that Baalke makes in the draft and free agency.

Whether the 49ers use free agency, the draft or home grown players to fill the role, they will need to see significant improvement from the outside linebackers in 2016 if they expect to field a top-10 defense.

Next: The Next Montana