Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers’ To-Do List in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general view of San Francisco 49ers flags during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Find Linebackers

On paper, the 49ers appear to have their linebacker tandem set for 2017. NaVorro Bowman is the MIKE, or middle linebacker. Malcolm Smith is the WILL, or weak-side linebacker, and Ahmad Brooks is the strong-side (SAM) linebacker.

It’s not ideal.

First, Bowman’s Achilles injury is a red flag. We can hope Bowman is fully recovered by Week 1. Even if this is the case, the Niners better have a likable backup option (is Chris Borland ready to come out of retirement?).

Brooks is also 33 years old. At this stage in his career, the 2013 Pro Bowler is little more than just a situational pass-rusher. He can’t cover tight ends, at least not well enough.

Smith, who is notably younger, can’t really cover tight ends either. So that’s a problem.

A linebacker like Alabama’s Reuben Foster would be a great pickup and could easily justify the Niners’ Round 1 pick at No. 2 overall. He’s the complete package, capable of stopping the run and holding down his own in coverage.

But will San Francisco view this as their top priority when the team’s number is called?