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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 10 players who should be on 49ers’ radar

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/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) /

No. 4: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

6-foot-5, 250 pounds

Collegiate Stats

There’s a good debate going on whether or not the 49ers should be interested in linebackers Roquan Smith (Georgia) or Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech). If you don’t believe me, just go look through my mentions on Twitter.

Initially, linebacker didn’t seem to be a bigger need before the Reuben Foster situation. With Foster’s future anything but certain, this need suddenly jumps towards the top of San Francisco’s priority list.

Edmunds’ sheer size doesn’t hinder him from making plays all over the field. And there’s little doubt he’d be an immediate upgrade over SAM linebacker Eli Harold. But Edmunds’ flexibility could also make him a worthy WILL linebacker playing in space.

Just think, Edmunds is only 19 years old. He has youth on his side.

Scouts will want to see if the upsurge in Edmunds’ stock continues to rise at the NFL Scouting Combine. If his performance jumps off the table, it may be too difficult for the Niners to pass.