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LB Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
Since the San Francisco 49ers spent starter money on linebacker Malcolm Smith last offseason, he’ll be expected to start next to former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster in 2018. Also, Brock Coyle is a prime candidate to be re-signed — even after a lackluster season in 2017 — but neither are NFL-caliber starting linebackers.
Shaun Dion Hamilton was a future NFL-caliber starting linebacker — until he fractured his kneecap last season, after tearing his ACL the season prior. I selected the Alabama linebacker in the early fifth round, hoping he’ll make a full recovery, in order to be reunited with Foster in the middle of the defense.
