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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Second-Year Players to Watch in Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) picks up a fumble in front of St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) picks up a fumble in front of St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Eli Harold

2016 could easily be a coming-of-age year for second-year outside linebacker Eli Harold.

The 49ers have more than a few question marks at this position. And while linebackers Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks are the likely penciled-in starters here, Harold could easily see his role increased in what will likely be an important rotational pass-rushing role.

Harold surpassed fellow OLB Corey Lemonier on the depth chart last season, and the former Virginia prospect ended up playing in all 16 games for the 49ers in 2015.

But to make himself a better option for the Niners defense, Harold spent much of the offseason adding weight.

“I’m quite a bit stronger,” Harold said, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. “Trent told me it was something I had to do and I felt like it was my job, this is what I do for a living. I’ve got to take it serious and it’s something I want to get better at.”

Harold, who is listed at 235 pounds on Pro Football Reference, would ideally need to get into the 260-pound range to have more of an effect at this position, per Barrows.

With the 49ers ranking 29th in the league last season, with 28 defensive sacks, Harold will need to supply all the pass-rushing prowess he can to earn his way into a prominent role this year.

Next: OT Trent Brown