Predicting What the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup Looks Like in 2018
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker
Inside Linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, NFL Draft Pick
Outside Linebacker: NFL Draft Pick, free agent
We have to assume a few different things when looking at San Francisco’s linebacker corps. First, let’s stick with the incumbent 3-4 base defensive alignment for now, although it’s entirely possible the Niners shift to a 4-3.
Update: 49ers are expected to switch to a 4-3 defense in 2017, per ESPN’s Adam Caplan:
For those asking: 49ers expected to run 4-3. Same as Gus Bradley's defense. Some coaches say has elements of a 3-4 on tape.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) February 14, 2017
Second, let’s assume 32-year-old veteran outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks is released this offseason, which will save the 49ers $5.3 million in cap space for 2017.
Perennial All-Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman isn’t going anywhere. That’s good. But the remaining cast is meager at best.
True, linebackers Aaron Lynch and Eli Harold could make a big spike this season. Yet it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners make serious upgrades here. In the middle, look for the 49ers to add a player or two via the NFL Draft, either this year or the next.
The same goes for the outside, perhaps with a pass-rushing standout like Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett — if he falls — or Alabama’s Tim Williams. And some free-agent help, like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Melvin Ingram, wouldn’t be a bad offseason pickup either.
Ingram would have to clear any franchise tag though, but that doesn’t change the need here.