Niner Noise
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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 /
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Gerald Hodges, 49ers
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) reacts after Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (in background) missed a field goal in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Inside Linebacker

Starter: Gerald Hodges

Backup: Michael Wilhoite

Linebacker Michael Wihoite earned a minus-16.5 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, a year ago.

This tells us pretty much everything we need to know — Wilhoite is a good backup option but not someone a team would want in a starting role. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise the 49ers are entertaining a three-way competition for the starting inside linebacker spot alongside NaVorro Bowman.

Along with Wilhoite, fellow linebackers Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong are in the mix.

Hodges, whom the 49ers picked up via a trade last season, figures to be the best option. In contrast to Wilhoite’s lowly PFF grade, Hodges finished with a minus-5.6 overall mark — not great, but certainly an improvement over the former.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Armstrong stick around on the roster. He can play at both inside and outside linebacker positions as well as safety. So flexibility is a good thing here.

But Hodges earns the nod to start in the regular season.

Next: Left Outside Linebacker