Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking Top 5 Needs in 2016 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Inside Linebacker

Players on Roster: Nick Bellore, NaVorro Bowman, Gerald Hodges, Shayne Skov, Michael Wilhoite (RFA)

San Francisco is no longer strong up the middle, despite a Pro Bowl season from NaVorro Bowman. Bowman led the NFL in tackles last year (116) and it’s reasonable to suggest he’ll be even better with a full year of play under his belt since his 2014 knee injury.

Upgrading the inside linebacker position alongside Bowman is another question. San Francisco recently tendered restricted free agent Michael Wilhoite, so that remains an option if not the best of ones.

And fellow linebacker Gerald Hodges is another choice, should the Niners elect to go that route.

Yet the 49ers ranked No. 29 in the league against the run, with 2,020 yards allowed on the ground. Ensuring a strong center to the 49ers’ defensive front seven will be a critical point of focus for general manager Trent Baalke this offseason.

Fortunately, this year’s NFL draft class is pretty loaded at inside linebacker. San Francisco could look to target players like Myles Jack, Reggie Ragland, Scooby Wright III or even wait on an injured player with potential like Jaylon Smith and hope he develops adequately.

Still, the 49ers defense once reigned as one of the league’s elite when they were strong up the middle.

Being so again will require some notable attention here.

Next: No. 3: Edge/Pass-Rusher