San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Outlook Post Free Agency

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INSIDE LINEBACKER

Oct 11, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Inside linebacker was not a major issue for the 49ers until the retirements of Willis and Borland forced a new change of plan. Recovering from a torn ACL, NaVorro Bowman – who looked to surpass Willis before injury – is looking to make a full recovery and locked in to lead the 49ers in 2015. Bowman’s counterpart is interesting.

Michael Wilhoite, who filled in nicely for Bowman, has the experience to plug the second inside linebacker spot temporarily. On the depth chart at the moment, the only other backup right now is Nick Moody.

With not enough depth, expect the 49ers to remain aggressive in free agency to find the right fit to bolster the linebacking core. If free agency does not have any attractive candidates, the draft is pretty heavy with options.

One of the hardest hitting linebackers in the draft may be available in Round one or two, and that’s Denzel Perryman.

Perryman is an old-school tackler that fits a good tackling 49er team. With a 6’0″ 240 Lbs. frame, Perryman delivers power to force turnovers. While Perryman lacks in coverage skills, which may take years to develop, Bowman is excellent in coverage.

Willis was a natural born leader and took Bowman under his wing and mentored him. With Willis no longer around, the torch is now passed on to Bowman — who is fully capable of taking a rookie under his wing and demonstrate what he was taught entering the league. Perryman has experience and should be able to play from day one and challenge Wilhoite and Moody.