49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of free agency

Predicting the 49ers’ 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of NFL free agency

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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GREENVILLE, NC – SEPTEMBER 16: Running back Tyshon Dye #22 of the East Carolina Pirates is tackled by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 and cornerback Brandon Facyson #31 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Greenville, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

MIKE: Reuben Foster

WILL: Malcolm Smith

SAM: Tremaine Edmunds

The 2018 NFL free-agent market on linebackers was pretty thin, especially on the inside.

Therefore we won’t have any changes at this position, unless they’re depth related. Suspension-related too, as second-year pro Reuben Foster’s off-field legal situation — and subsequent NFL suspension, most likely — cast a shadow on the 49ers’ offseason plans.

San Francisco already started some contingency planning during free agency, re-signing inside linebacker Brock Coyle to a three-year deal.

Coyle, primarily a special teams ace, ended up starting 10 games for the Niners last season. While not a flashy move, by any means, the transaction makes sense for depth purposes.

And, yes, the 49ers’ top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is still Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.