San Francisco 49ers: 10 Starters Who Might Not Make the 53-Man Roster in 2016

No. 5 Linebacker Michael Wilhoite

For the reminder, this isn’t a prediction piece. It’s merely suggestive.

And suggesting linebacker Michael Wilhoite will be off the roster to start 2016, and not just backing up someone else, may be a bit of a reach.

Especially when the 49ers signed Wilhoite to a one-year, $1.671 million extension during the offseason.

Wilhoite came in second on the team in tackles last season (62) but also graded out with a minus-16.5 overall mark, per Pro Football Focus, which was worst on the defense. As a backup, Wilhoite is a decent option. As a starter? Not so much.

The 49ers are employing a three-way competition to see who starts alongside fellow linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong are all in the competition.

Hodges should be seen as the favorite to win out the starting role. And, in all likelihood, Wilhoite remains a serviceable backup.

But it’s possible to assume Armstrong’s flexibility — he can play on the outside as well as safety — is reason enough to take up a roster spot in the regular season.

So how many inside linebackers will the Niners keep on their 53-man roster?

Wilhoite probably stays, but he’ll have to ensure both of the competitors in the No. 2 linebacker race don’t beat him out. If both Hodges and Armstrong manage to do this, Wilhoite may not have a place on the roster.

Next: CB Kenneth Acker