49ers 2018 offseason positional preview: Linebacker
By Peter Panacy
49ers Linebacker Roster Predictions and Depth Chart
Yes, the $64 question: How do the 49ers formulate the depth chart at linebacker in 2018?
The good news is two of the three positions (MIKE and WILL) are interchangeable, allowing the Niners to play Reuben Foster, Malcolm Smith and Fred Warner as needed in such roles.
Remaining selectees will be there for depth.
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Speaking of that, the players likely to make the 53-man roster cut are:
- Reuben Foster*
- Malcolm Smith
- Fred Warner
- Brock Coyle
- Eli Harold
- Korey Toomer
* Foster will be placed on the reserve/suspended list the first two weeks of 2018, not counting for a roster spot. Backups are italicized.
Foster’s suspension opens up a roster spot for Weeks 1 and 2. Players like Eli Harold and Korey Toomer could both be on the strong side of the bubble, yet it wouldn’t be a shock to see one of these two cut upon Foster’s return.
Or, possibly, both are cut with full intention of working a player like Warner in at SAM, where his coverage abilities could be put to good use.
The good part of Foster’s suspension is it essentially gives the Niners coaching staff an extra two weeks to help determine how to best formulate the three linebacker spots this season. Warner starting right away wouldn’t be a shock at all, and Foster’s eventual return in Week 3 would only serve as a massive reinforcement.
Next: Predicting 49ers' Week 1 depth chart, 53-man roster
Just remember how bad San Francisco’s linebacking corps was in 2016. Now think how many good problems the Niners have on their hands entering 2018.
It’s relieving.