San Francisco 49ers: 2019 ‘State of the Franchise’ (linebackers)

Niner Noise continues its “State of the Franchise” series with a look at the linebackers, where the San Francisco 49ers made one big investment in the position during free agency.

While the defense was criticized for some substandard performances in 2018, things look much more settled with the San Francisco 49ers investing a lot of picks and money into beefing it up for this season.

Linebacker was no exception, with both a major signing and a pick invested in the position.

In the “State of the Franchise” series, we look at the current state of the 2019 roster, as the 49ers get closer to training camp, position by position.

We won’t be doing full player profiles, for those we recommend taking a look at the “Who Is?” series by Niner Noise.

2019 State of the Franchise: Defensive line

Azeez Al-Shaair

A highly athletic undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic, Azeez Al-Shaair is an intriguing possibility for the roster.

The Niners need better tacklers, and Al-Shaair was known as a strong tackler in his college career. In addition his athleticism gives him special teams potential.

Al-Shaair bears watching, as he could make the team as a special teams ace and make his way up the depth chart.

Kwon Alexander

The big money signing, Kwon Alexander was signed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to beef up the linebacker corps.

Still only 24 years old, Alexander will take over the WILL linebacker duties and should be available for Week 1 against, well… the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Funny how the schedule works sometimes.

Dre Greenlaw

Dre Greenlaw is the 49ers resident rookie this year, being drafted out of the fifth round from Arkansas.

Greenlaw is a good tackler, although slightly undersized. However the SAM linebacker position is wide open and Greenlaw has been taking reps there.

Don’t count him out for a shock chance to be a starter this season.

Elijah Lee

Elijah Lee has been respectable since being signed off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, and was decent in run support when he worked his way to a starting role late last season.

He is a liability in coverage, however.

He is signed to a cheap contract and so should be on the strong side of the roster bubble this year.

David Mayo

David Mayo was signed from the Carolina Panthers, but don’t expect much of him on defense where he’s been pretty mediocre his entire career.

He is a very good special teams player, however.

Mark Nzeocha

A special teams ace who was pressed into service as a starter last year, Mark Nzeocha probably shouldn’t be trusted to start a full season but he could be handy depth who can be entrusted to start a game or two.

The big question is can he claw up the depth chart again?

LaRoy Reynolds

LaRoy Reynolds is a career journeyman and special teams player, who will be fighting an uphill battle to make it on the roster.

Still, he’s made it this far and found a job in the league every year, so at least he’s made it this far.

Malcolm Smith

Malcolm Smith has been a severe disappointment since joining the 49ers in 2017, to the point that players like Lee and Nzeocha have started due to Smith either being injured or just playing poorly.

Smith has a tall ceiling as a possible starter but also a very low ceiling as a possible cut candidate.

Fred Warner

A third-round rookie last season, Fred Warner had a highly impressive inaugural year to the point he was responsible for relaying the defensive plays in the huddle.

A natural leader, look for Warner to make the next step in 2019.

Prediction

The 49ers will likely keep six linebackers on the roster. Warner, Greenlaw and Alexander should be considered locks.

Smith and Lee will be strong bubble candidates as well.

The only question is, who will the sixth linebacker be?