San Francisco 49ers: Training camp battles to watch at each position
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker: The Battle for the Starting SAM Spot
The 49ers are set at both MIKE and WILL linebacker, employing Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander in those roles, respectively.
Yet the SAM linebacker spot remains up for grabs.
San Francisco’s switch to a wide-9 defensive alignment means the SAM is more of a traditional “stack” linebacker now, making the position more interchangeable with the others. During OTAs, veteran Malcolm Smith worked with the first-team unit here. But Smith, whose two years with the Niners have been nothing but disappointing, was beat out last season by a backup and special teamer, Elijah Lee, who has to be considered in the mix, too.
Fellow special teams ace Mark Nzeocha saw starting time at SAM last season, and the 49ers also drafted former Arkansas linebacker Dre Greenlaw last April. While Greenlaw is likely viewed as a backup his rookie season, there’s a good chance he impresses enough to secure a starting job.
Either way, the 49ers are nowhere close to set at SAM, making this position battle an intriguing one heading into training camp. It’s wide open.