Niner Noise
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2016 NFL Draft: Injury-concern Prospects the San Francisco 49ers May Consider

By Peter Panacy

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) cries as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury un the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) cries as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury un the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) celebrates after beating the New Mexico Lobos 45-37 in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) celebrates after beating the New Mexico Lobos 45-37 in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker Scooby Wright III, Arizona

Injury: Knee

If fans want to know what Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III could look like at the NFL level, they should view his 2014 campaign — an effort which earned Wright Consensus All-American accolades in which he led the NCAA in tackles (164).

But a meniscus injury in his left knee limited Wright to just three games in 2015. And his draft stock now places him as a late third- or early fourth-round pick, according to CBS Sports.

When he’s on though, Wright has incredible instincts and reminded CBS Sports’ Rob Rang of former 49ers linebacker Chris Borland.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller also spoke highly of Wright:

The 49ers have a hole alongside perennial Pro Bowl linebacker NaVorro Bowman. San Francisco could plug in linebackers Michael Wilhoite and/or Gerald Hodges into this spot. But if Wright winds up with the Niners and emulates his 2014 efforts, it might be better to roll with that option instead.

Next: CB Kendall Fuller