49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup post Jimmy Garoppolo trade

San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup post Jimmy Garoppolo trade

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

5 of 11

SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

MIKE: Reuben Foster

WILL: Malcolm Smith

SAM: Dorian O’Daniel (Clemson)

The 49ers linebacker corps is going to look vastly different than what we’ve grown accustomed to in recent seasons.

Having rookie linebacker Reuben Foster fully healthy is a must, but remember the Niners are also going to get back Malcolm Smith (pectoral) at the WILL spot. Those two appear to be shoo-ins to start in 2018, but there’s a need to upgrade the SAM linebacker position.

SAM is currently held by Eli Harold, although he hasn’t exactly made his presence known in a full-time starting role. He’s certainly worthy of backup duties, though, and the Niners may want to explore options in the NFL Draft here.

One player to watch is Clemson’s Dorian O’Daniel, who has worked as a SAM linebacker in head coach Dabo Swinney’s defense.

NFLDraftScout.com projects O’Daniel as a fourth-round target, meaning the 49ers wouldn’t have any trouble targeting him in the middle rounds.