San Francisco 49ers 2017 Offseason Big Board version 1.0

By Eric Gamboa | Feb 16, 2017

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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49ers

Oct 22, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Devonte Williams (2) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1) in the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker

The 49ers need serious reinforcements alongside NaVorro Bowman. Last year, Ray Ray Armstrong showed promise next to Bowman before being lost for the year due to injury. Then, Bowman went down with a torn Achilles of his own and just like that the 49ers’ starting inside linebackers were out for the season by Week 4.

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Enter Backups Nick Bellore and Gerald Hodges, who left a lot to be desired and that is putting it lightly.

Quite simply, the linebackers were the worst unit the 49ers fielded last season. It was atrocious. It was abusive just to watch if we want to be honest. From blown assignments to missed ankle tackles, the linebackers simply got ran over.

On the bright side, the Niners get both Bowman and Armstrong back this season. Yet Bowman has suffered two critical injuries on the same leg. There is no telling how he will return from these injuries and Armstrong showed promise in limited action. He could come back and prove to be a bust.

The 49ers need to add talent and thus we add ILBs to the BB.

Sign Atlanta Falcons ILB Paul Worrilow to a 4-year, $13 million contract and,
Draft Northerwestern ILB Anthony Walker with fourth-round selection and,
Draft University of Tennessee ILB Jaylen Reeves-Maybin with sixth-round selection.

Draft projections and contract estimates were gathered from Walter Football and Spotrac.com, respectively.