Predicting the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup in 2017
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker
If the defensive backfield is one of relative strength for the 49ers, the linebacker position is a glaring weakness.
San Francisco should hopefully get perennial All-Pro NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) back and healthy next year. The Niners will need him.
But who else?
Inside linebacker Gerald Hodges has done an OK job against the run, although he might be a bit of a downgrade from fellow ILB Ray-Ray Armstrong (pectoral), who is out for the year.
Expect linebacker Michael Wilhoite to walk via free agency. And the Niners should cut veteran outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks this offseason, saving $7.8 million in the process.
Armstrong and Hodges are also free agents this offseason. San Francisco might re-sign one of these two as a reserve option. But look for the team to address some needs here in the NFL Draft or free agency.
Note: This prediction assumes the 49ers stay in a base 3-4 formation, which they might be wise to change to a 4-3 in 2017 — another article for another time.