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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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Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker

Aaron Lynch– Lynch is the team’s best edge pass-rusher and will lead the team in sacks. While Armstead and Buckner occupy interior linemen, Lynch will face one-on-ones and tally over 10 sacks for the first time in his career. The team needs him to.

Eli Harold– After putting on weight, Harold has a chance to secure the open spot across from Lynch. Reports about Harold are positive thus far. To be honest, there isn’t a whole lot of competition.

Ahmad Brooks– He’s a veteran. That means something to Trent Baalke. In a pinch, he can play inside linebacker and is vicious in goal line defense sub-packages.

Tank Carradine– The 49ers give him one more year to find a positional fit. Tank will either dominate or fade to the back. I’m not sure there is an in-between with him in 2016.

Starters: Lynch and Harold. That isn’t a very hard choice.

Next: Cornerbacks