San Francisco 49ers: Prioritizing Each Position on Roster Before the 2016 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker
Players on Roster: NaVorro Bowman, Aaron Lynch, Ahmad Brooks, Eli Harold, Michael Wilhoite, Corey Lemonier, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Gerald Hodges, Shayne Skov, Nick Bellore
The 49ers don’t have to worry about one interior linebacker position as NaVorro Bowman will look to build upon his Pro Bowl campaign from 2015. And that’s quite a positive, given the injury suffered back in January 2014.
On the outside, linebacker Aaron Lynch remains the 49ers’ best pass-rusher and has a promising upside.
But what else?
Pairing up with Bowman in San Francisco’s 3-4 defense will need to be a focus during the draft. Inside linebackers Michael Wilhoite (RFA) and Gerald Hodges are penciled in for now, but neither is a legitimate option to fill a starting role. They’re likely backups at best, along with former Stanford protege Shayne Skov.
On the outside, the 49ers will be needing to complement Lynch — a task from which veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks seems to be moving away.
Second-year pro Eli Harold could help supplement the pass rush and the book remains out on him. It is, in all likelihood, closed on San Francisco’s third-round pick from 2013, Corey Lemonier.
Remember, the 49ers ranked No. 29 in the league last year with 28 sacks. And they were also 29th against the run (2,020 yards allowed).
In reality, San Francisco has two bona fide starters out of four open positions. That makes this a top priority.
So would it be a bad idea if the 49ers tabbed UCLA linebacker Myles Jack if he were available at No. 7? He’s more of a 4-3 defender, but Jack is the type of talent around which one would want to revolve a defensive front seven.
Priority 1
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