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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Roster-Bubble Players to Watch in Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) jump in the air during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) jump in the air during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (57) celebrates after a fumble recovery on a punt return in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (57) celebrates after a fumble recovery on a punt return in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong

Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong is one of three players competing for the starting-inside linebacker job alongside perennial All-Pro NaVorro Bowman this season.

Armstrong, joined by fellow LBs Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges, may have the furthest to go out of this group. Wilhoite started 12 games in this stead last year before an injury cut his campaign short, and he also was second on the team in tackles (62).

But Wilhoite’s minus-16.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required) also justifies this camp battle taking place.

In all likelihood, Hodges seems to be the best fit here. And the 49ers probably aren’t going to have more than two backup inside linebackers.

Yet this doesn’t exactly endanger Armstrong’s chances of making the roster either.

Armstrong offers some unique flexibility. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Armstrong has the flexibility to line up at the outside as well — the 49ers have questions there — as well as at safety. He’s played all three positions before.

So keep an eye on how Armstrong is utilized, especially if it’s clear he’s losing out at the inside position.

Next: No. 3: Wide Receiver Devon Cajuste