49ers: Player locks for San Francisco's starting positions in 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

MIKE: Reuben Foster

WILL: Malcolm Smith

We know. Linebacker Reuben Foster is good. Like, elite good.

Reuben Foster is having an elite rookie season pic.twitter.com/AUaUbVkTvS
— PFF (@PFF) December 29, 2017

Staying healthy is key, as Foster missed six games due to various injuries this season. But he still was able to make 59 tackles — second most on the team — and was a major factor in turning around the 49ers run defense, which was more than just inept a year before.

He’ll be pegged in at MIKE linebacker, and the Niners are going to get some reinforcements at WILL.

Veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith was lost to a season-ending pectoral injury in training camp. He was one of the biggest defensive pickups for San Francisco last offseason, and plugging him in on the weak side will help negate some of the coverage issues associated with his skill set.

The 49ers could stand for an upgrade at SAM linebacker, as Eli Harold wasn’t much of a factor in 2017.