Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 13 predictions for the 2018 season

By Jason McDuffie

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: A general view of the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: A general view of the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field prior to their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: No. 3: Reuben Foster Becomes the Face of 49ers Linebacking

I see second-year linebacker Reuben Foster shaking off his legal troubles from the offseason and putting his efforts into his craft.

Foster, of course, will be suspended the first two games of 2018 after two arrests earlier this year — one on charges of second-degree marijuana possession and the other for an incident with his ex-girlfriend — although all charges were either reduced or dropped entirely.

That matters, but not in the grand scheme of things. As long as he stays healthy, Foster will wind up being the next face of 49ers linebackers — one that includes former Niners greats Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.

When he eventually ascends to this level, it will boost a defense that has not really had an identity as of late.

This, in turn, should help to provide a firm backbone for San Francisco’s defense.