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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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Outside Linebacker

Starter: Ahmad Brooks

Backup: Corey Lemonier

Linebacker Aaron Lynch’s four-game suspension is the best thing that could have happened for underachieving pass-rusher Corey Lemonier. It means he likely retains a roster spot entering 2016.

He won’t start though. That job will go to 32-year-old veteran Ahmad Brooks.

Despite being tied with Lynch for the team lead in sacks a year ago (6.5), Brooks is nothing like the player he was during his 2013 Pro Bowl efforts. Being on the wrong side of 30 years old doesn’t help either.

There are those who would have suggested Brooks would be on the roster bubble — it was an argument heard the same time a year ago — but the 49ers don’t have much choice but to retain him, especially in the wake of Lynch’s suspension.

On a positive note, Brooks has to realize this and will likely be playing for whatever fortunes lay ahead after this season.

Motivation is good, right?

Next: Right Outside Linebacker