San Francisco 49ers: Early 53-man roster predictions for 2018

Linebacker (6)

MIKE: Reuben Foster, Brock Coyle

WILL: Malcolm Smith, Fred Warner

SAM: Eli Harold, Dekoda Watson

So much of what happens at linebacker is predicated by the continuing offseason developments with second-year pro Reuben Foster‘s alleged domestic violence case stemming from an arrest last February.

Even if the case is dropped, Foster could still face a lengthy suspension handed down by the league.

For now, let’s assume he’s with the team and ready to go for Week 1. He’ll be at the MIKE spot, bumping the veteran, Malcolm Smith, out to the weak-side (WILL) position on base downs. But Smith’s coverage abilities are suspect, which is another reason why the 49ers grabbed former BYU linebacker Fred Warner in the NFL Draft. Warner plays like a safety, meaning he’ll likely see plenty of opportunities on obvious passing downs.

There are questions about veterans Brock Coyle and Dekoda Watson who, aside from depth pieces, also serve as key special teams contributors.

The Niners pushed Coyle into an emergency starting role last season, starting 10 games and earning 36 tackles in the process. He might be on the bubble, although it looks to be more on the strong side of things.