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2016 Senior Bowl: 5 49ers’ Prospect Targets Who Impressed During the Game

By Jerod Brown

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; The North squad huddles before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Jake Coker of Alabama (14) tries to evade the tackle of North squad inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich of Temple (48) in he first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Jake Coker of Alabama (14) tries to evade the tackle of North squad inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich of Temple (48) in he first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Matakevich-Inside Linebacker-Temple

The 49ers are on the hunt to replace former 49er Patrick Willis. Okay, maybe they can’t replace Willis but can they replace his replacement, retired 49er Chris Borland?

Anytime a slightly smaller, athletically-limited linebacker that shows impressive instincts comes out, fans will be forced to hear questions about whether he compares to Borland. Matakevich fits the mold as an underwhelming linebacker that just continually makes plays. In the NFL, those guys are worth taking a shot on.

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UCLA linebacker Myles Jack and Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith are the top two inside linebackers in this class. After injuries, however, Baalke may not feel confident taking either with the seventh pick in the draft. In the event he passes on a linebacker to start, he can clean up with Matakevich just a couple of rounds later.

The best comparison for Matakevich came from @NFLDraftInsider during the game on Saturday.

If Matakevich turns out to be anything close to Zach Thomas, then the 49ers will have done an excellent job finding a new inside linebacker to pair with Bowman.

During the game, Matakevich looked impressive stopping the run but his lack of quickness may always be a problem in coverage. He’ll routinely have to guess correctly on routes coming out of the backfield and, while he seems dedicated enough to study, it’s an inefficient way to play to defense.

If the 49ers can get their hands on Matakevich with a year or so to develop, he could become the next tackling machine to play for the Red and Gold.

Next: A New Mauler Insider