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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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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Inside Linebacker Roquan Smith, Georgia

6-foot-1, 225 pounds

Collegiate Stats

OK, now the flip-side argument.

Roquan Smith might not have the sheer size of Tremaine Edmunds, which would somewhat negate the former’s ability to play SAM linebacker. But only to a modest extent.

In reality, Smith plays the same kind of playmaking role Reuben Foster does at either MIKE or WILL. But in my viewpoint, Smith is the better linebacker when compared to Edmunds. If you’re not on board with that, consider this: CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has Edmunds ranked the No. 4 overall prospect on his big board. Edmunds comes in at No. 38.

Take the better player if you can, 49ers.

Either way, both prospects are worth watching and would, with little doubt, add some serious fuel to San Francisco’s defense.

Keep an eye on both Smith and Edmunds at the NFL Scouting Combine. You might get your answer who the better target will be.