49ers: Way-Too-Early Look at San Francisco's 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker

Inside Linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, free agent

Outside Linebacker: Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold

Perennial All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman will be starting on the inside next season. No questions there. But let’s go ahead and guess the Niners will target a free agent ILB at some point this offseason.

This could mean re-signing linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, who will be a free agent, if his pectoral injury isn’t too much of a worry beyond this season and the 49ers feel he can replicate the small sample size from 2016.

Linebackers Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges will be free agents too.

San Francisco could still target someone in the NFL Draft to fill this void. But it’s not likely going to be an early round pick. Probably a mid-rounder, who will take a year or so to develop.

On the outside, the Niners roll with Aaron Lynch and Eli Harold. Veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks is pushed out of the picture and, potentially, released in order to free up even more cap space.

Next: Defensive Line