Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys 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, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after the 49ers made a defensive stop against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after the 49ers made a defensive stop against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker

Inside Linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges, Nick Bellore

Outside Linebacker: Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold, Ahmad Brooks, Marcus Rush, Tank Carradine

San Francisco passing on an inside linebacker in the 2016 NFL Draft likely means fans will see another season of Michael Wilhoite starting this season.

Wilhoite was one of the worst 49ers defenders last season, and he posted a minus-16.5 overall grade, per PFF, despite coming in second on the team in tackles (62). There could be a very close competition with fellow inside linebacker Gerald Hodges for the starting job, who was marginally better with a minus-5.6 overall PFF mark, but Wilhoite likely gets a slight edge here.

Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch isn’t going anywhere, and that’s a good thing. But the starting job opposite him winds up going to second-year pro Eli Harold.

Yes, this means veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks is relegated to a backup role and may see time strictly in run-defense situations (it was his only positive mark, per PFF).

One might think Brooks could be a cut candidate this season. It’s still possible, but the 49ers would have likely made a move by now to do this based on the would-be money saved prior to his guaranteed 2016 salary going into effect.

Still, the Niners would ideally like to see more out of Harold in 2016 and how he can impact the pass rush — a crucial area of need for San Francisco this season.

The switching of Tank Carradine from defensive end to an edge-rusher is a move likely to push 2013 draft bust Corey Lemonier out of the picture.

Next: Defensive Line