NFL Draft: Positional Priority List for the 49ers in 2016

Linebacker

In the not so distant past, the 49ers had the most feared linebacker tandem in the league with Patrick Willis and NaVarro Bowman standing side by side crushing opponents.

The once-hailed group has quickly turned into a glaring weakness after Willis abruptly retired and Bowman has been dealing with health the past two seasons.

San Francisco’s current starters are veterans Gerald Hodges and Nick Bellore, who have been pegged with the tough task of replacing Bowman. The primary backup is Michael Wilhoite who was made the starter at the beginning of the year but his weakness in coverage lost him his job to Hodges.

Hodges has played good football since being tabbed the starter. In the three games since taking over the linebacker has amassed 25 tackles, two picks and a sack, via cbssports.com. This is promising for Hodges as teams covet a linebacker that can do well in both areas. Run defense has been a major issue this year, and the 49ers should look in the early to middle rounds for a middle linebacker that is stout against the run.

Edge rushers are a premium in the NFL, and the top prospect in the draft is out of Texas A&M, Myles Garrett. If he falls to the 49ers, it would be surprising if they passed him up. Ahmad Brooks and Aaron Lynch have done an OK job setting the edge, but Lynch has dealt with ankle problems and was disciplined for PED use for the first four games this year.

Brooks is aging and the team should look for his replacement sooner than later.

Players to Scout

Reuben Foster, Alabama (6-foot-0, 240 lb.) – Projected Rd. 1-2

Kendell Beckwith, LSU (6-foot-2, 252 lbs) – Projected Rd. 2-3