49ers: Early look at 10 players on the 2018 roster bubble

San Francisco 49ers: Early look at 10 players on the 2018 roster bubble

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys is pushed out of bounds by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears is dropped by Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The 49ers defetaed the Bears 15-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Linebacker Eli Harold

Veteran linebacker Eli Harold wound up beating out former Niners linebacker Ahmad Brooks for the starting SAM spot on defense after training camp.

But that’s about all Harold did in 2017.

Despite starting all but five games and seeing 452 snaps, Harold hardly dented the stat sheet, finishing with just 26 tackles and two sacks — both of which were about the easiest you’ll see, if you go back and watch the film.

Harold’s 47.7 overall Pro Football Focus grade suggests the Niners would be wise to find an upgrade this offseason.

The Niners likely have two linebacking spots pegged for next year — Reuben Foster at MIKE and Malcolm Smith (IR, pectoral) at WILL.

Harold could still wind up being a moderate backup, possibly a starter if the issue isn’t addressed. But it’s equally as possible the 49ers find some upgrades for 2018.