San Francisco 49ers: Predicting a Week 1 53-man roster, depth chart for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker (5)
MIKE: Korey Toomer, Fred Warner
WILL: Malcolm Smith, Brock Coyle
SAM: Eli Harold
The 49ers have a bit of a logjam at linebacker heading into training camp, although they’ll need to carry an additional linebacker the first two weeks of 2018 thanks to second-year pro Reuben Foster‘s two-game suspension.
Meanwhile, there’s a strong likelihood the Niners rotate third-round draftee Fred Warner in sub packages where he can put his excellent coverage skills to use. As far as base goes, one will likely see free-agent pickup Korey Toomer assume the MIKE duties, particularly due to his solid run-stopping skills, while veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith holds down the weak-side (WILL) position.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh sees both the WILL and MIKE as interchangeable, so it’s not necessary to get locked in on either position.
Strong-side (SAM) linebacker Eli Harold, who has been something of a disappointment during his tenure in San Francisco, might be on the roster bubble this season. SAM linebackers typically operate in coverage in Saleh’s defense, although there might be some flexibility to bump Warner over there if deemed suitable.
Either way, Foster’s suspension likely ensures Harold a roster spot in Week 1.