Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers Starting Lineup after Week 1 of Preseason

By Bobby Horne

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks down the sideline during action against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Levi
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks down the sideline during action against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Ostweiler (17) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Ostweiler (17) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker

  1. Ahmad Brooks
  2. Eli Harold

Veteran linebacker Brooks will retain his role as the starter. He has proven, time and time again, he can be a serious force in stopping the run, along with some decent pass-rush ability. He showcased his pass rush against the Texans, finishing with one sack.

Second-year linebacker Eli Harold earns his starting role, due to 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch currently serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Harold has the opportunity to showcase his skills with Lynch’s absence.

Next: Middle Linebacker