San Francisco 49ers: 10 best linebackers in franchise history

By Logan Stanley | May 23, 2017

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick linebacker Reuben Foster answers questions from the media during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick linebacker Reuben Foster answers questions from the media during the press conference at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Reuben Foster

49ers Tenure: N/A

Pro Bowl Selections: N/A

What? A rookie on the franchise’s top list? This is all based on prediction — I am indeed a proponent of the highly-touted prospect from Alabama. I’m not the only one.

The 49ers vice president of player personnel, Adam Peters, recounted a story to the SF Gate’s Eric Branch about while he was trying to study tape of one Alabama defender last season, he couldn’t keep his eye off another, one that he wasn’t looking to study. That player? Linebacker Reuben Foster.

"The casual fan can see how much he impacts a game, Peters said. How fast he plays. How much passion he plays with. How instinctive he is. He’s what you want in a linebacker in this day and age. A guy who can play the run and is still athletic enough to play the pass. He’s a sideline-to-sideline guy who can stay on the field for all three downs. He kind of brings up the level of intensity on the defense with the way he plays."

And Foster is aiming to make this list, and hopefully be on top of it. He speaks of seeking greatness and reminiscences about former linebacker Patrick Willis fondly, which should entice giggles from 49ers fans.