Niner Noise
FanSided

5 linebackers the 49ers should target for the 2018 NFL Draft

By Joseph Naki

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies prepares to hit quarterback Philip Nelson #9 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies prepares to hit quarterback Philip Nelson #9 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies prepares to hit quarterback Philip Nelson #9 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – SEPTEMBER 24: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies prepares to hit quarterback Philip Nelson #9 of the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Lane Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

A coin toss will determine the 49ers’ selection order of either the No. 9 or the No. 10 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. This draft is deep with talent, so there has to be a feeling in San Francisco John Lynch will trade down a few spots to attain more draft picks.

Whether Lynch moves down or not, the ideal linebacker for the 49ers is Tremaine Edmunds of Virginia Tech. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, owning amazing athletic skills, the sheer thought of lining Edmunds aside Reuben Foster would be an absolute nightmare for opponents, but a sweet dream for the 49er faithful.

Notching a three-year commitment with the Hokies, Edmunds played in 32 games, recording 213 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, with 10 sacks in tow. Edmunds ability to line up as an edge rusher, as well as matching up with running backs and tight ends in space, allows Edmunds to be the most versatile linebacker in this draft.

What’s truly welcomed to a defense ranked 23rd overall in 2017 is the toughness Edmunds brings to the table. The man brings his lunch pail to work, owns a fighting disposition and determined to win ball games.

There is a long standing history of tough linebackers that donned the scarlett and gold; Keena Turner, Hacksaw Reynolds, Matt Millen, NaVorro Bowman, and Patrick Willis to name a few.

Edmunds would continue the trend, should Lynch pull the trigger on draft day.

Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator for the 49ers, would be able to move Edmunds anywhere on the field, disguising looks, while creating game plans of attack rather than sitting back in zone.

On draft day, Saleh may be the one on the phone to Edmunds shouting, “pack your bags, young man! Santa Clara awaits you!”

Edmunds would be a Christmas gift in April for the fans of San Francisco.