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San Francisco 49ers: Winners and losers from first week of OTAs

By Peter Panacy

Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; The San Francisco 49ers warm up at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; The San Francisco 49ers warm up at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) jump in the air during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) jump in the air during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks

I’m no longer in the camp veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks should be considered a cut candidate again in 2017.

Sure, he’s no longer a Pro Bowl-caliber player. But Brooks has turned a few heads already this offseason, including head coach Kyle Shanahan (h/t Kevin Jones of KNBR 680):

Brooks continued his efforts during OTAs as well, including Niners Nation’s Jennifer Lee Chan referring to him as “pretty lively” during open sessions.

With San Francisco’s shift to a 4-3 under base, Brooks likely assumes the SAM — or strong-side linebacker — under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. On paper, it may not be the most ideal fit, especially considering Brooks’ age and declining coverage skills.

For now though, it appears as if Brooks is easily safe on the roster and will have an important role this season.