Niner Noise
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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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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Rashaan Evans, Alabama

Should the 49ers skip on Tremaine Edmunds, then locking up inside linebacker Rashaan Evans would become top priority for a defense yearning for help.

Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Evans brings a punch-you-in-the-mouth attitude. Evans plays with his heart and with vindication, but moreover, the young man plays with winning on his mind.

When playing your college career under head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide, then it’s more than reasonable to understand why Evans brings a must-win attitude to the game of football. With championship pedigree behind Evansn, it only makes sense to build your team with people who know how to win; Evans is that guy.

Per Walter Football, in 2017, Evans totaled 66 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and three passes broken up.

Again, looking for versatility, Evans is capable of playing in a 4-3 scheme, but also fluid enough to come off the edge. With the lack of a pure pass rush from, well, anyone on the roster, it is clear the 49ers need help off the edge to pressure the quarterback on passing downs.

Quarterbacks and corners will, no doubt, monopolize the top half of the NFL Draft. John Lynch, being patient yet aggressive in his war room, might target Evans as his must-get guy. Therefore, Lynch trading down a few spots to nab Evans in the middle of the first round is more than feasible. To see the Crimson Tide duo of Evans and Foster together again may well be what’s on Lynch’s agenda.