Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Full Depth Chart & Roster Predictions for 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker

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

Outside Linebacker: Ahmad Brooks, Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold, Tank Carradine (EDGE)

Players Cut: Ray-Ray Armstrong, Jason Fanaika, Lenny Jones, Corey Lemonier, Wynton McManis, Shayne Skov

One spot at inside linebacker is set for 2016 — NaVorro Bowman.

There aren’t too many worries about the perennial All-Pro’s stature with the team moving forward. But who plays alongside him is another story.

Last year, it was fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite for most of the season. While Wilhoite ranked No. 2 in tackles on the team in 2015 (62), he also graded out as the worst 49ers defender, according to Pro Football Focus (minus-16.5 overall).

So it shouldn’t be a surprise the 49ers are entertaining starting last year’s trade acquisition, Gerald Hodges, as well hybrid linebacker/safety Ray-Ray Armstrong, per defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil (h/t Doug Williams of NBC Bay Area).

Hodges may win out of this group, and Wilhoite will wind up resuming backup duties as he did prior to 2015. That means Armstrong is out.

November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco’s 2016 starters on the outside are also probably set with linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Aaron Lynch.

Both were tied for the team lead last year with 6.5 sacks apiece. But Lynch is, far and away, the better pass-rusher and has more to offer than Brooks at this point in the veteran’s career.

Still, the only chance Brooks doesn’t start is if second-year pro Eli Harold manages to take him over. It’s possible, but let’s go with the Niners inserting Brooks over Harold on the depth chart to start the season.

Former defensive end Tank Carradine is another interesting commodity. If he works more into strict edge-rushing work, the 49ers may elect to keep another linebacker in this group. That could mean 2013 draft-disappointment Corey Lemonier hangs on for one more season in Santa Clara.

But this might open up opportunities for someone else like Marcus Rush, should the 49ers see a bit more of his pass-rushing prowess.

Rookies like Jason Fanaika, Lenny Jones and Wynton McManis would be practice-squad eligible.

Next: Defensive Line