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Ranking All San Francisco 49ers 2016 Positions by Strength

By Bobby Horne

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 6: Middle Linebacker

One might say, “with All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman, how is this group not the strongest?”

Well, because Bowman only makes up a small part of the group. And, besides Bowman, there hasn’t been much production from the middle linebacker position.

Many tend to forget that there actually is another MLB that plays next to Bowman since it seems like he can cover the whole field by himself.

This group would have most definitely been higher on the list had former middle linebacker Chris Borland not retired after his very productive one season.

However, the emergence of MLB Ray-Ray Armstrong in the preseason has brought some of that fire back into the heart of the 49ers defense. Armstrong has looked superb and compliments Bowman’s game well.

If Armstrong can carry his play into the regular season, the MLB position is on the right track.

Next: Outside Linebacker