Niner Noise
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft: Ranking the 49ers 5 Biggest Needs Four Weeks into Season

By Peter Panacy

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) scores a touchdown with San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) defending during the second half at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ka’Deem Carey (25) scores a touchdown with San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) defending during the second half at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Inside Linebacker

See everything on the previous slide about the 49ers run defense, and now tack on the need for another inside linebacker.

All-Pro NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) is out for the rest of 2016, and fans better hope he returns to form next season. Insofar as replacing him? Well, San Francisco doesn’t exactly have a ton of options.

Remember, the 49ers passed on an inside linebacker in last year’s draft. They’re paying for that mistake now.

Bowman, who led the league in tackles last year (116) can’t be asked to do it all again next season. He’ll need some help. Remember retired linebacker Chris Borland constantly being around the ball-carrier and converging quickly to make technique-sound tackles?

Yeah, that’s what’s needed here.

It’s important, even more than the defensive line, because opposing teams are going to continue testing San Francisco’s run defense in sub packages. With larger gaps opening within the first two levels of defense, the 49ers need an interior plug with great side-to-side converging skills.