49ers depth chart: Post-NFL Draft 53-man roster prediction for 2021

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San Francisco 49ers Fred Warner (54)Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Linebackers (4)

MLB Fred Warner

WLB Dre Greenlaw

SLB Azeez Al-Shaair

LB Elijah Sullivan

This is a group that has two very strong options at the top and then a little bit of uncertainty beyond that.

All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner is entering the final year of his rookie deal, although the hope would be that by the time the season starts the 49ers will have locked him into a long-term deal in much the same way they did George Kittle last offseason.

Warner has gone from a relatively unknown mid-round draft to one of the league’s best linebackers in just a few seasons, a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Next to Warner is another mid-round draft pick who little was expected of in Dre Greenlaw, who made former Niner Kwon Alexander expendable last year and has been one of the better players at his position over the last few seasons.

Azeez Al-Shaair has been a standout special teamer since coming in as an undrafted free agent a few years ago and has slotted in as the SAM linebacker when called upon and even filled in for Greenlaw last season, too. For now, he stands to use that experience to keep himself on the roster.

After that, there are questions regarding how many and who left to answer.

For now, we’ll keep the number at four, although it wouldn’t be surprising to see a fifth linebacker here instead of one of the extra defensive backs. If that’s the case, add former safety Demetrius Flannagan-Fowles to the list.

Instead of including him here, I’m keeping undrafted free agent Elijah Sullivan out of Kansas State, to whom the 49ers are reportedly giving a hefty signing bonus and a guaranteed contract, on the roster. He’ll have every opportunity to make the team as a special teams ace, especially given those contract numbers.