Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Malcolm Smith
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers is hit by Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game on November 27, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

22. LB Malcolm Smith

Malcolm Smith had a lost 2017 season due to injury, after the 49ers spent top dollar on the linebacker last offseason. Although Smith isn’t considered one of the NFL’s premier inside linebackers, the 49ers suffered without him last season, particularly after the injury to linebacker Reuben Foster and the shocking release of top LB NaVorro Bowman.

With Foster facing a potential suspension from the NFL, Smith may begin the season as the team’s starting MIKE linebacker, although he faces strong competition from rookie LB Fred Warner.

Even if Foster avoids league suspension and Warner wins the starting job at MIKE, Smith’s versatility would allow him to compete for a starting role at SAM linebacker, where he has experience in the past.

Since Smith knows the 49ers’ defensive scheme as well as anyone in the team’s linebacking corps, he will have an opportunity to contribute in 2018.