No. 3: How does 49ers linebacker depth pan out?
Kwon Alexander’s injury last season revealed just how important it is to have quality backups. And even though the Niners essentially have three players capable of starting — notable, considering the prevalence of nickel defenses with two linebackers — finding the right combination of special teamers who can back up any one of the three spots is important.
San Francisco went to more of a traditional “stack” linebacker alignment in 2019 instead of the previously used strong-side (SAM) backer being up along the line of scrimmage.
This meant smaller linebackers, such as the 6-foot-2, 228-pound Azeez Al-Shaair could fit into any one of the three spots more easily.
Yet Al-Shaair, a 2019 undrafted free agent, struggled during his four starts, eventually receiving a lowly 42.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade with six missed tackles.
The 49ers seem comfortable with special teams ace Mark Nzeocha, yet they also inked veteran linebacker Joe Walker and inked another UDFA in small-school prospect Jonas Griffith. Both could easily challenge a player like Al-Shaair for a spot on the depth chart behind the big three.
And it isn’t likely San Francisco wants to keep six or even seven linebackers on the 53-man squad.
Special teams abilities will say a lot about the depth. But it’s still going to be a vital battle to watch between now and Week 1. Even into the regular season, too.