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San Francisco 49ers: Biggest Winners & Losers from the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-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 /

Winner: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

Last year, one of the biggest areas of 49ers weakness was the linebacker position. And it was especially vulnerable when perennial All-Pro NaVorro Bowman suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early in the year.

Enter Alabama inside linebacker Reuben Foster.

In 2012, Bowman was taking over as the team’s best linebacker — even surpassing Niners favorite, Patrick Willis, as the premier playmaker within the front seven.

Bowman, now the mentor, has his apprentice in Foster.

It’s hard to gauge the impact needed from last season, due to Bowman’s injury. But 2015 paints a better picture. Sure, Bowman led the NFL with 116 tackles coming off the horrendous knee injury suffered the previous year. But that kind of pressure was awfully taxing on Bowman’s body.

He won’t have to make every play at the second level any longer. No, those duties can be reserved for Foster now.

Foster was an absolute steal at No. 31 — a player many pegged, including Niner Noise, to go in the top five.

Related Story: Niner Noise Takes Reuben Foster for 49ers in NFL Mocks' Mock Draft

Sure, Foster has some injury concerns. And there are a few off-field worries to be concerned about as well.

But Bowman, who was no stranger to red flags when he was drafted, is the perfect mentor.

It’s going to be great to see a dynamic tandem at linebacker for the 49ers once again.