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A month ago theSan Francisco 49erswere sitting pretty at the top of the league with the best linebacker corps in the league. WithPatrick WillisandNaVorro Bowmanin the middle withChris Borlandbacking them up, it appeared the 49ers were set on in the inside for many years to come. Unfortunately within a span of a couple weeks, the 49ers lost both Willis and Borland to retirement. So how do the 49ers survive this blow to their depth?
Before the surprising retirements, the 49ers were reportedly looking to tradeMichael Wilhoitebecause of the plethora of talent that they had.
Sources:#49erstrying to trade LB Michael Wilhoite, who started 16 games in 2014 ...http://t.co/i14bGG8215
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows)March 4, 2015
Wilhoite was a 16-game starter last season, and started in Bowman’s place while he rehabbed a nasty knee injury he suffered in the 2013 NFC championship game. In 2014, Wilhoite tallied 87 tackles and two interceptions.
Niner Noise
As of right now, Bowman and Wilhoite are the projected starters in 2015 withNick MoodyandShayne Skovlooking to back them up. But will the 49ers bring in another free agent or draft a rookie?
It was reported that the 49ers are interested in formerNFC North linebackers,Lance BriggsandErin Henderson. Briggs is coming off a couple very disappointing years, and Henderson has had a difficult timestaying out of trouble.
How about the draft?
When news of Borland’s retirement came out, Bleacher Report’s draft expert Matt Miller had this to say about ILB in the draft.
Do the@49ersdraft an ILB at No. 15? I don't have a linebacker graded that high currently. Eric Kendricks top ILB at No. 25
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)March 17, 2015
It seems logical that the 49ers would draft at least one linebacker in the draft, but most likely not until the later rounds. Both Borland and Bowman were drafted in the third round, so it has been proven that the 49ers can find great linebacker talent in the later rounds.
All in all, the 49ers will look at all options but ultimately Wilhoite will most likely be the week one starter next to Bowman. It will be verydifficult to beat him outfor the starting spot.
There is no denying that the 49ers got weaker at ILB, but they still have talent there that is better than many other teams in the league.
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