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San Francisco 49ers: Way-Too Early Predictions for 2017 Starting Lineup

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-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 /

Linebacker

Outside Linebacker: Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold

Inside Linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, Free Agent

Linebackers Aaron Lynch and NaVorro Bowman are linchpins for San Francisco’s defense, and that won’t change in 2017.

But what should take place is a passing over by outside linebacker Eli Harold as he takes the starting snaps away from aging veteran Ahmad Brooks. Brooks has been in the decline since his 2013 Pro Bowl campaign and, even though he’s under contract through 2018, he’s likely a cut candidate a year from now.

This opens up the door for Harold — a 2015 third-round draft pick, who has a good amount of pass-rushing potential.

The inside linebacker position is a little more interesting though. San Francisco is currently going through a competition between ILBs Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong to occupy the starting job alongside Bowman.

Whoever wins out has a good chance to stick around in 2017. But all three are free agents that year too.

While the 49ers aren’t exactly known for spending big in free agency, the 2017 NFL Draft class isn’t particularly deep at inside linebacker. And the Niners should have a good amount of money to spend in free agency a year from now.

There may be some decent options available on the free-agent market.

Next: Defensive Line