No. 8: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair
Like the free safety spot, the 49ers also have some question marks at linebacker entering 2019. These are less about performance, as linebackers Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner are bona fide contributors. Instead, it’s more of an injury worry.
Alexander is coming off an ACL tear last year. He’s been eased along slowly during the offseason.
Meanwhile, the starting SAM linebacker spot remains up for grabs.
Depth will be important, too. And San Francisco might have a high-quality practice squad-type linebacker to stash for 2019.
The undrafted rookie, Azeez Al-Shaair, has an enticing profile. At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, he fits the mold for the position and has some solid physical traits to match it. He’s even a favorite of KNBR 680’s Larry Krueger:
The #49ers lack depth at LB, but look out for Azeez Al-Shaair this preseason. He could really flash. Productive and athletic
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) July 27, 2019
The preseason will give Al-Shaair plenty of featured time. And while there are plenty of other depth options for the 49ers at linebacker, it certainly looks worthwhile stashing Al-Shaair on the practice squad if he’s able to clear waivers.