Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Don’t sleep on these key reinforcements coming back in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 25: Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders returns his interception during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 25, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 25: Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders returns his interception during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 25, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Linebacker Malcolm Smith (Pectoral)

Like Joshua Garnett, the 49ers never got to see what veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith had to offer in 2017, losing him to a season-ending pectoral injury during training camp.

Remember, Smith was a hand-picked commodity by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Saleh and Smith had a rapport with each other from their days with the Seattle Seahawks, and it’s pretty apparent the coordinator saw more of Smith’s poise from his Seattle days than those with the Oakland Raiders.

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Signed through 2021, Smith isn’t going anywhere. And it’s likely the Niners place Smith in a role where he plays the WILL linebacker alongside the rookie, Reuben Foster.

Currently, the 49ers have Brock Coyle assuming this role. He’s done a good enough job, registering 33 tackles total, but he’s more of a special teams ace than an every-down player.

Getting Smith back would take a lot of pressure off the 49ers to land another linebacker in free agency or the NFL Draft this offseason. His veteran savvy and understanding of Saleh’s scheme makes Smith a valuable commodity even if he has question marks in coverage.

Next: Predicting 5 49ers free agents who won't be re-signed in 2018

Fully healthy, Smith would easily help round out what has turned into a solid front-seven defense in San Francisco.