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Predicting 49ers 2016 53-Man Roster After OTAs

By Jerod Brown

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of golden NFL shield logo in the end zone to commemorate Super Bowl 50 during the preseason NFL game between San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of golden NFL shield logo in the end zone to commemorate Super Bowl 50 during the preseason NFL game between San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Inside Linebacker

NaVorro Bowman– He is the unquestioned leader of the team. They just need to find a decent partner next to him.

Gerald Hodges– Hodges is certainly more athletic than Michael Wilhoite. However, he plays a little reckless and out of control. That might rub Kelly the wrong way. Nonetheless, he wins a spot on the roster to start the season.

Ray-Ray Armstrong– Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil gushed over Armstrong in his press conference and noted that Armstrong is part of the three-man competition to start next to Bowman. Armstrong is 6’3″ and 220 pounds. He’s a former safety from the University of Miami and may provide the range and athleticism that allows Bowman to be a primary run-stuffing linebacker.

Note: Michael Wilhoite’s time of barely earning roster spots before starting comes to an end. If Armstrong doesn’t seriously impress throughout summer, Wilhoite may stick around for another season. Either way, I expect the team to address the position in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Starters: Bowman and Hodges

Next: Outside Linebackers