San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dark-Horse Candidates to Start in 2017

Jan 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (18) rushes with the football against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) during the third quarter at Levis Stadium Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

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December 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball as tight end Tyler Higbee (89) blocks against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Eli Harold

The 49ers seemingly have two positions set at linebacker with NaVorro Bowman and Reuben Foster on the depth chart.

But, though the 49ers spent money to bring in Malcolm Smith and also have Ray-Ray Armstrong on the team, Eli Harold could end filling the SAM lineacker position despite a largely underwhelming pro career to date.

Though Harold has struggled as a pass rusher, he is a decent run defender and received a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 69.1 last season.

Smith, by contrast, had major difficulties in coverage in 2016 – earning a grade from PFF of just 43.8 in that area.

Brooks led the 49ers in sacks last term but is now 33 on the downswing of his career and in the last year of his contract.

The new regime would be better off seeing if Harold can be a difference-maker at linebacker and he is good enough as a run defender and in coverage to perhaps push Smith to the bench.