Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 23
Next
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 /

Right Inside Linebacker

Starter: NaVorro Bowman

Backup: Michael Wilhoite

There isn’t too much of a question at this spot.

All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who led the NFL with 116 tackles a year ago, is the best player the 49ers have on defense right now.

His surgically repaired knee still hampered him in coverage a year ago, but signs are pointing to the lingering injury being a non-factor entering 2016. And that’s a very good thing for San Francisco’s defense.

But Bowman will need help.

Last year, the 49ers attempted to start fellow linebacker — and perennial backup — Michael Wilhoite alongside Bowman.

It didn’t work. While Wilhoite probably won’t get a starter’s job, going back to a backup role in a contract year is probably the best thing for the Niners defense.

Hopefully fans won’t have to see much of Wilhoite except for substitutions.

Next: Left Inside Linebacker