Niner Noise
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49ers 2017 NFL Draft Positional Preview: Linebacker

By Peter Panacy

December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; iSan Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; iSan Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Linebacker Predictions for the 49ers

Here’s an easy one to start — NaVorro Bowman will return and be at, or near, 100 percent to start the season.

Malcolm Smith will earn a starting job too. Based off what we discussed previously, his coverage problems makes him a better fit staying off tight ends on the weak side.

Still, reinforcements are needed and especially at the SAM and LEO linebacker spots.

Myles Garrett isn’t going to fall to San Francisco, barring the Cleveland Browns doing something crazy. So look for general manager to add pass-rushing depth in Rounds 2 through 4. This would fill the void behind Aaron Lynch and possibly add someone to replace the underachieving 2014 standout.

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But a gut feeling still links the 49ers to Reuben Foster in Round 1.

Even if San Francisco can’t trade down from No. 2 overall, Foster isn’t that bad of a reach. Usually inside linebackers aren’t top-10 picks. But Foster is an exception, boasting the rare combination of run-stopping ability, coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline converging speed NFL teams rarely have.

Depth-Chart Prediction

  • MIKE: NaVorro Bowman
  • WILL: Malcolm Smith
  • SAM: Reuben Foster (R)
  • LEO: Aaron Lynch
  • Reserves: Eli Harold, rookie, Brock Coyle, Dekoda Watson

You’ll notice neither Ahmad Brooks nor Tank Carradine make the cut. Brooks is aging and no longer an every-down player. Carradine has been a bust. It’s time to move on.

Maybe Armstrong stays, but who knows?

Instead, San Francisco goes with a rookie in a starting role (Foster) and a promising edge rusher to either back up, or take over, for Lynch at some point in the future.

Next: 5 Mid-Round Draft Prospects the 49ers Can Start in 2017

Hopefully, these tweaks and upgrades help make the 49ers front seven as strong as it used to be in the days of Bowman and now-retired linebacker Patrick Willis.